Harley Marine purchases the BRAtt prototype

By acquiring the ‘scaled down’ Azimuthing Stern Drive (ASD) tug for its fleet the company has added a new component to its comprehensive training programme.

The BRAtt embodies all the functions and handling characteristics of a modern ASD tug and was built primarily as a training tool for the maritime industry. In the wheelhouse the propulsion controls are representative of those found in the majority of ASD tugs, with a controller on either side of the console. Its compact design is scaled to represent a full size tug, with dimensions of just 8.53m in length overall, a moulded beam of 4.95m and a loaded draft of 1.44m. A pair of Cummins QSB5.9-230 HD marine diesels each generate 1,68kW at 2,600 rpm (a total of approximately 450bhp) to drive a pair of Olympic model HD3 fully azimuthing drives via ZF Marine ZF 280-1 gearboxes with a 1:1 ratio and slipping clutches. This power plant gives the little tug a bollard pull of at least 3.6 tonnes and a maximum speed of 8 knots.

Now renamed HMS BRAtt and stationed in Seattle, the tug joins the diverse and growing fleet of Harley Marine fleet that currently boasts 120 vessels. HMS BRAtt will be used extensively in the ASD tug training program for crew members.

Director of marine operations for Harley Marine Services, Captain Scott Manley said: “This vessel will greatly enhance our ability to train qualified and quality operators for our fleet. The addition of the HMS BRAtt will allow crewmembers to become familiar with maneuverability and handling capabilities of an ASD tug prior to taking control of a full sized vessel. Her compact size will give trainees the opportunity to practice their operational skills in confined spaces.

“HMS BRAtt is just one element in the comprehensive training program at Harley Marine Services, providing a real-life training mechanism that will teach lessons experienced in the wheelhouse on a daily basis.”

The prototype BRAtt was built by Adenalin Marine Ltd at Delta, British Columbia, the company chosen as the licensed builder of all BRAtts in North America. Since the all welded aluminium prototype was first unveiled, two further vessels have been constructed, with steel hulls and aluminium superstructure, for use as ‘mini-tugs’ by Suncor Energy. It is understood that there are other orders pending.

Three BRAtt designs have been either built or are under construction and are designated:

BRAtt 780-AE (7.8m aluminiun escort)

BRAtt 880-SU (8.8m steel utility)

BRAtt 880-SL (steel line-handling).