Sanmar completes a powerful line-hander

Brage is a small but extremely versatile line-handling tug intended for use at the Monstad oil terminal. The vessel is the first to be built to a new RAscal 1500 design for a compact and very agile ASD vessel designed by Robert Allan Limited (RAL) to handle mooring ropes for large tankers.

The RAscal hull-form has been carefully developed, based on a wide array of previous successful tug designs, to ensure good sea-keeping, manoeuvrability, and stability in all modes of operation. Brage has an overall length of just 14.95m and a massive beam (moulded) of 8.3m and maximum draft of 3.1m. The hull has a deep ‘box keel’ and is almost ‘elliptical’ in plan-form. The entire structure, hull, deckhouse, and wheelhouse are of all-welded steel construction with scantlings exceeding the requirements of any classification society.

Two Caterpillar C18 diesels each generating 350 kW (a total of approx 939 bhp) are installed to drive a pair of fully steerable Veth VZ-550s fitted with 1250mm diameter fixed pitch propellers. This arrangement give the little vessel a bollard pull of 11 tonnes, towing ahead, and a maximum free running speed of 10 knots.

Electrical power onboard is supplied by two Caterpillar C4.4 86 kW auxiliary generators installed in the engineroom. All external lighting is explosion proof and the domestic ventilation system has automatic shut-downs and closures.

Dedicated integral tanks accommodate 20m³ of fuel oil, 2m³ of fresh water, 1.2m³ of grey water, 1.2m³ of black water and 1m³ of oily water.

Brage is intended not only line-handling but also to give assistance in berthing small ships and general terminal duties. With that in mind the vessel is equipped with heavy fendering and deck equipment. A Data Hydraulic TW-H50kN single drum towing winch is installed on the fore-deck. The winch has a maximum brake load of 50 tonnes and a maximum line haul speed of 29.5m per minute. The drum accommodates 80m of synthetic fibre rope of 30mm diameter. Also installed on the fore-deck are a pair of line-handling towhooks, each with a swivel block.

To enable Brage to tow over the stern the vessel is fitted with a Data Hydraulic quick release towhook and capstan, and a strategically located gob eye. A Palfinger PK 6500, hydraulically powered ‘knuckle-boom’ crane is positioned adjacent to the towhook, on the portside.

Fully air-conditioned accommodation is provided for up to four persons in two double cabins below deck, along with a WC, shower and fully equipped galley. The living areas are fitted out to a good standard of comfort and safety as required by most regulatory authorities in Northern Europe.

By Jack Gaston