Sanmar’s 150th Robert Allan tug

Sanmar’s relationship with RAL is now well established and referred to regularly in this column and the two latest tugs from the yard, Svitzer Hermod and Svitzer Chirripo are numbers one and two of a six vessel order for Svitzer, part of the Copenhagen-based Svitzer’s so called ‘Silver Bullet’ fleet replenishment programme. The occasion is a milestone for both Sanmar and RAL with Svitzer Chirripo being the 150th RAL design to emerge from Sanmar’s building halls.

Cooperation between the two companies started back in 1995 when a series of small 18m RAL-designed tugs were built for Sanmar’s own fleet. The relationship has flourished since and now includes a number of RAL designs from high performance RAstar escort tugs, to the workhorse RAmparts class and the innovative VectRA Voith Schneider tugs. Vessels ranging from 15m to 34m have now been delivered to owners in all parts of the world.

The two new Svitzer units are RAstar 2800 class terminal support/escort tugs, customised to suit Svitzer’s very specific operational requirements. Classed by ABS they carry the notation: ABS +A1, Towing Vessel, Fifi1, +AMS, +ABCU, Unrestricted, UWILD and dimensions include: LOA 28.2m, beam moulded extreme 12.6m and draught 4.12m. Main tank capacities are fuel oil 112m3 and potable water 14m3.

Propulsion for each vessel is via two MTU 16V4000 M63 diesels, each rated 2,000kW at 1,800rpm and driving Schottel SRP 460 fixed-pitch Z-drives with zero idle slipping clutches. The electrical plant comprises three identical diesel gensets, each with a power output of 100ekW. Bollard pull is quoted as 70 tonnes plus, and free running speed ahead 13.5kn.

Shiphandling towage is carried out over the bow via a hawser winch and staple with towing over the stern from a quick release towing hook and tow post. Fendering consists of cylindrical fenders at main deck level around the bow with 800m OD by 400mm ID, 300mm thick ‘W’ block fenders below. Two 300mm by 300mm hollow ‘D’ fenders protect main and forecastle deck sheer lines and a 300mm thick ‘W’ fender provides protection around the stern of Svitzer Hermod and Svitzer Chirripo.

The usual high standard of accommodation is provided for a normal crew of eight with officers’ cabins on the main deck and three double-crew cabins on the lower accommodation deck. A fully-appointed mess/lounge area and fully-equipped galley are also provided on the main deck. The wheelhouse follows standard RAL design characteristics providing all-round visibility with a forward control station allowing a clear view of both forward and aft deck working areas.

By Peter Barker