Svitzer modernise their deepsea sister ships

All three vessels were originally built for Smit and can be regarded as elderly, but thanks to their unique design and equipment continue to be competitive in the long-range towage market. The project focussed on improving fuel efficiency, performance and generally making the vessels more competitive and environmentally friendly.

Singapore was returned to the Royal Niestern Sander shipyard in the Netherlands, where it was originally built in 1984, to have its fifth special survey and the modernisation work carried out. New high efficiency Lips HR nozzles and propeller blades of a new design were installed to increase bollard pull and free running speed. Both main engines were also fully overhauled by the original manufacturers, Wärtsilä. Included in the programme was the installation of new broadband equipment, allowing 24 hour internet access on board, and a new electronic charting system designed to offer more operational flexibility and safety.

Following trials in the North Sea at the end of March, Svitzer expressed their satisfaction with the tug’s performance, quoting a 7% improvement in fuel saving while towing, a 14% saving running free and consequently a 7% increase in range.

The tug’s original bollard pull was in the order of 180 tons and it is understood that a bollard pull trial has not yet been carried out. Whatever the outcome, Singapore is firmly in the upper echelons in terms of available bollard pull for long distance towing. On completing trials, Singapore sailed from Rotterdam towing the oil platform Oban-B on a 12,000mile tow to Singapore via Cape Town.