Taikoo is first of a new quartet for Hong Kong
Taikoo and its three sisters are the latest examples of the RAmparts 3000, built for use in Hong Kong.
In October of last year Cheoy Lee Shipyards handed over the first of a series of four powerful terminal support tugs to Hong Kong United Dockyards.
Named Taikoo, the tug is the latest example of the increasingly popular RAmparts 3000 class design from Robert Allan Ltd and derives its name from a historic dockyard in Hong Kong first operated by Butterfield and Swire in 1907. The shipyard was responsible for building some of the largest ships in the world during the early 1900's but was closed in the '70's to be developed into private housing. The operation eventually merged with Whampoa Dockyard to become Hong Kong United Dockyards (HUD).
Resplendent in the grey, black and red livery of its owners, Taikoo is a 30m Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tug, specifically designed for ship assist and coastal towing operations. This particular vessel was designed to meet the requirements of HUD for operations in and around Hong Kong and has an extended deckhouse to provide additional accommodation for the crew, and cadets under training. The result is a well equipped and compact vessel.
The tug is classed by Lloyd's register of Shipping - 100A1 Tug; LMC, TUG, Unrestricted Service and measures 30.0m in length overall, with a maximum beam (moulded) of 11.60m, and maximum draft of 5.08m.
On trials Taikoo met or exceeded all of the anticipated performance criteria, achieving a bollard pull of 74 tons towing ahead and 67 tons astern along with a free running speed ahead of 13.0 knots.
The main engines installed in all four tugs comprise are a pair of Niigata 6L28HX diesels, each developing 1,838 kW at 750 rpm, a total of 4,930 bhp. Each main engine drives a Niigata Model ZP 41 fully azimuthing propulsion unit with a fixed pitch propeller.
Electrical power onboard is supplied by two identical diesel driven auxiliary generators, each with power output of 80 kW at 380V, 50Hz, 3-phase.
Dedicated tanks are provided to accommodate 164 cu/m of fuel oil and 29 cu/m of fresh water.
Taikoo is equipped to tow over the bow or stern. A Plimsoll HAETW/GDG-22-65/150 single drum towing winch is installed on the foredeck for shiphandling operations over the bow, with the towline deployed through a fairlead incorporated in the forward bulwark. A similar single drum Plimsoll HTW/SD-20/150 winch is located on the after deck and can tow via an open stern. ‘H’ style towing bits aft of the winch serve as a fairlead and an additional means of securing a rope if required.
The tug’s bow is well fendered for shiphandling with two rows of cylindrical rubber mouldings. Hollow ‘D’ section moulding is used to protect the main and foc'sle deck sheer lines, and 300 mm ‘W’ section block fendering is used at the stern.
A Palfinger PK32002M knuckleboom deck crane is mounted adjacent to the winch on the port side to handle towing gear and stores.
The wheelhouse is designed for maximum all round visibility, with forward and aft control stations providing maximum visibility to both fore and aft deck working areas. All round vision is aided by the use of large bonded windows requiring only very narrow framing.
The vessel has been outfitted to the highest standards for a normal operating crew of five but accommodation is provided for up to twelve persons. The large main deckhouse contains a spacious galley and mess, three double berth cabins, a storeroom and a common washroom. The lower deck contains one double and one quadruple berth cabin, a stores locker, laundry, and a common washroom.
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