Kooren Announces Orders for Rotor Tugs

Kooren describe this investment in more ‘Rotor Tugs’ as:

‘speculative’ and report that the company is currently in contact with a couple of potential buyers.

Associate company Kotug first introduced the unique, triple unit tractor tug design in 1999 when four identical tugs of 6300bhp and 80 tonnes bollard pull were put into service in ports in the Netherlands and Germany. Since then the design has been offered to other interested parties in the towage industry. On announcing the order for two further vessels of a slightly smaller type the company said: “Mr Ton Kooren the godfather of the Rotor design believes that the present and future tugboat owners/operators in the world should also have the opportunity to operate ‘Rotor Tugs’ in their fleets”.

The new tugs to be built in Singapore will be powered by three Niigata 6L25 HX engines, each rated at 1834bhp (1350kW) while running at 750rpm. Three Niigata ZP 21 FP fully azimuthing propulsion units will be installed – two in the bow and one at the stern, in the same configuration as the original tugs.

Both vessels will have an overall length of 28.30m, a maximum beam of 11.70m and draft of 5.30m. The tugs will be classed by Lloyds Register and will be equipped for fire fighting.

A bollard pull of 63 tonnes is forecast and delivery is scheduled for April 2005.

In addition to this confirmed order Kooren Shipbuilding and Trading has also placed options for two additional ‘Rotor-Tugs’ of the same basic design but with different machinery. If building goes ahead the tugs will have three Wartsila 6L20 main engines, of at least 1630bhp (1200kW) each, driving three Wartsila 200/2100mm propulsion units with controllable pitch propellers and high performance nozzles. Kooren expects to exercise these options within the next three months.