New tractor tug arrivals strengthen Svitzer’s fleet

Svitzer state the new acquisitions are aimed at improving mobility between ports in the region and has turned to Sanmar Shipyards for a pair of Robert Allan Ltd-designed TRAktor-Z 1500SX (Delicay class) harbour tugs. The new arrivals take the number of tugs in Svitzer’s Europe fleet to 113

First of the pair Svitzer Vale is to operate initially in the port of London, to be replaced by the second Svitzer Meridian by July whereafter Svitzer Vale will join the fleet in the Scandinavia and Germany cluster. Kasper Friis Nilaus, Managing Director, Svitzer Europe said: “Onshore and afloat, we are excited to welcome the new built Svitzer Vale and Svitzer Meridian. From a business perspective, adding two tugs to the fleet will reinforce our ability to activate our fleet across ports to ensure we offer the right service in the right port.”

Classed by ABS and certified for unrestricted navigation they are each 25.3m long with a beam of 12m, moulded depth 4.46m and maximum draught 6.2m. Tank capacities include 80m3 of fuel oil, 12m3 fresh water, 6.8m3 sewage and 3m3 used oil.

The machinery specification features familiar names in the modern world of tug construction starting with two Caterpillar 3516C HD main engines each developing 2,100kW at 1,600rpm powering Rolls-Royce US 255 thrusters incorporating slipping clutches. Vulkan supply both carbon fibre shafting material and T60 resilient mounts. Performance figures are stated as 70tbp ahead, speed 12.5kn ahead and 12kn astern

Caterpillar also supply two C4.4 99ekW gensets and other auxiliary equipment includes: fuel oil filters by Separ, Westfalia fuel oil purifiers, Hamworthy sewage plant, Alfa Laval cooling system and Novec fire extinguishing system.

DMT provide an electrically-driven split-drum winch of 187t brake load aft. Fendering comprises cylindrical type at the stern (upper) and W block fender at the stern (lower) and around the bow with D type fendering along the sides. Fifi 0.5 capability is included via an FFS water/foam monitor supplied by a 1,200m3/hr main engine driven FFS pump.

MLC-compliant air-conditioned accommodation is provided for six persons in two single and two double cabins.

By Peter Barker