TOWLINES (January 2016)

The 65tbp RT Claire and RT Stéphanie had previously operated in northern Europe and following preparation in Rotterdam were shipped to Malaysia. Kotug have two main areas of operation in Asia, assisting LNG vessels at the Shell Brunei LNG Terminal (three Rotortugs) and this latest venture at PTP. Their scope of activity includes: harbour and terminal towage, coastal and deepsea towage, emergency response and salvage operations, offshore assistance, STS transfer operations and provision of training.

Continuing the Dutch theme, ship designer Concordia Group have played a role in the delivery of the ‘revolutionary’ 43m pusher tug Caesar Primo to owner Uruguayan Aquafarm. Shallow draught (1.83m) was a requirement for the tug which will push grain barges on the Paraná-Paraguay River.

The Netherlands Marin Institute were involved in hull-design testing, machinery installation selection also being an important consideration. To provide the necessary power (6,400bhp) within the draught limitations four Cummins KTA 50-M2 diesels were chosen, the recessed propellers turning within Nautican nozzles with Netherlands-based De Waal providing the rudder system. Optimisation of the various propulsion and steering systems was important for the tug which is required to push barges adding up to 40,000 tons in shallow water and heavy river currents.

Sanmar Shipyard’s tug building capability has been enhanced with the launching of a new floating dock at its custom-built yard in Altinova Turkey. The RINA-classed dock operates not only as a standard floating dock but also as a tool to facilitate launching of newly built vessels.

The 10t/m2 reinforced deck can support a 24-axle Goldhofer modular trailer and its load, the dock having an unusually deep pontoon of 4m, an inner beam of 28m, length of 83.8m and lift capability 3,000t. The design includes the option of extending the dock to 120m with a 5,000t capacity. Two 312kW IMO Tier II compliant diesel generators power four ballast pumps controlled by frequency drives via an automated electronic system. Sanmar have also developed a state-of-the-art robot arm which connects the dock to the shore eliminating the use of chains or ropes.

Along with other major tug operators, Svitzer Towage regularly report new contracts illustrating their global presence and they recently announced the signing of a 30-year contract to supply marine services at the new APMT Moin Container Terminal in Costa Rica.

The contract commences in the third quarter of 2017 and includes provision of three 70tbp ASD tugs (two of which to fifi1 standard), a pilot vessel and a maintenance barge. They will be crewed by local Bahaman crews and Svitzer will provide training for pilots and tug masters.

By Peter Barker