German ETV projects gather speed

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In the November issue of Maritime Journal it was reported that the German Government had signed contracts to fund two new Emergency Towing Vessels (ETVs) to replace the two existing tugs currently on station in the North Sea and the Baltic.

At the recent 'Havarekommando' conference in Bremerhaven, Michael Ippich from the operating consortium, the 'ARGE Kustenschutz', presented a paper outlining the project in greater detail.ARGE Küstenschutz is a 'Joint Venture coastal protection' consortium formed in 2001 comprising Bugsier, Fairplay Richard Borchard, Unterweser Reederei (URAG) and Wiking Helikopter. Michael Ippich is managing director of Arge partner URAG. Partners Bugsier and Fairplay operate the existing vessels 'Oceanic' and 'Fairplay 26' respectively and are managing the construction and future operation of the new ETVs.

The deepsea salvage tug Oceanic has been employed as an ETV to protect the German coastline and major shipping routes to the Elbe and Weser for many years. Its replacement will be a purpose built vessel to an ambitious new design by Skipkonsulent. A contract has been placed with German shipbuilder Peene-Werft Gmbh of Wolgast for the construction of the new vessel. The first steel will be cut in August of this year and launching is scheduled for June 2010. Delivery is scheduled for October the same year and the new charter will begin on the 1st of January 2011.

A vessel of 78m in length overall, with a beam of 16.4m and draft of 6.0m, the tug will be considerably more sophisticated than its predecessor. Among its duties will be towing, salvage, fire fighting and pollution control. A bollard pull of at least 200 tons has been specified along with a maximum speed of over 19.5 knots at MCR. To achieve such performance, two MTU 20V8000 M71L GSB diesels rated at 8,600kW each (17,200hp in total) will power the twin screw propulsion system with controllable pitch propellers and fixed nozzles from Borg. An important requirement is the ability to operate in hazardous atmospheric conditions, a facility unique in a vessel of this type. When working under those conditions the power available from the main engines will be reduced to 4,000kW each.

An essential feature of the new ETV will be its manoeuvrability. Two 800kW transverse bow thrusters will be installed and a single identical unit at the stern. This arrangement, working in conjunction with the twin screw propulsion system and rudders under an integrated control system, will ensure that the tug has exceptional handling characteristics and station keeping ability.

Electrical power onboard will be supplied by two 2,000kVA shaft generators, two auxiliary generating sets of 1,350kVA each (which will operate at 525kVA during gas protected operations), one 525kVA generating set and a 125kVA emergency set.

The hull design has been developed to enhance the seakeeping qualities of the vessel and provide a stable working platform during emergency response operations. With the same end in mind, the after deck is designed to offer maximum protection for personnel working there.

A comprehensive outfit of towing gear includes a Hatlapa, 'waterfall' style double drum towing winch capable of deploying two 1,400m towlines of 80mm diameter steel wire rope. One set of Karm forks, a Shark's jaw, and hydraulically operated tow pins will be installed along with two tugger winches.

Accommodation will be provided for a crew of 12, a 'boarding team' of 4 in single cabins, and up to 16 additional personnel when required. An emphasis has been placed on apprentice training to a high standard aboard the new ETV. Six single cabins and a class room are earmarked for use by five apprentices and one training officer. In addition to normal heating and air conditioning, a 'Citadel' over-pressure system will be fitted supported by a breathing air reservoir for use in hazardous conditions. The tug will be able to operate for at least eight hours under 'Gas Protected' conditions.

Plans for a brand new ETV to participate in the protection of Germany's Baltic coastline, operating from the current station in the Rostok, Warnemund, area are also well advanced. Fairplay Towage currently operates the 5,500bhp ASD tug 'Fairplay 26' in this role, providing towage, fire fighting and emergency response services.

Under a new contract Fairplay, as a participating member of the ARGE, will manage the construction and operation of a new purpose designed ETV based on an established Spanish design. The keel for the new vessel will be laid in April and delivered just one year later to cover a ten year charter commencing on the 1st of July 2010.

Astilleros Armon of Navia, Spain will construct the vessel that will embody many of the features found in the SASEMAR vessels 'Luz De Mar' and 'Miguel De Cervantes', completed by the yard in 2005. The version for Germany will be 61.75m in length overall with a beam of 15m, a draft of 5.20m and approximately 2,025 gross tons, with hull construction meeting Ice Class E2 criteria. Considerable emphasis will be given to manoeuvrability, reliability, and the ability to operate in oil covered waters. A minimum bollard pull of 100 tons has been specified and a speed of 16.5 knots.

A conventional twin screw propulsion system will be adopted, with controllable pitch propellers and Kort nozzles. A pair of GE 16V 250 main engines will be installed, each developing 4,239 kW (a total of approximately 11,500hp). Manoeuvrability will be enhanced by fitting four 450kW transverse thrusters, two forward and two aft.

The towing winch installed will be of the twin drum 'waterfall' type, carrying two 500m towlines of 70mm SWR.

This new ETV for the Baltic will also be involved in apprentice training. Accommodation onboard will house a crew of 10 in single cabins and include two double cabins for use by apprentices of other supernumeraries.