A smaller EDDY is introduced

The new variant, unveiled at Tugnology ’15 in London is in response to an increased market demand for high bollard pull compact tugs. The new model, designated EDDY 24-70 adopts the same characteristic in-line thruster arrangement as the larger EDDY 30-65 operating in Bremerhaven. At 24m it is significantly shorter however, with a moulded beam of 11.4m but with a slightly higher bollard pull of 70t compared to the 65t of EDDY 1.

This arrangement will, according to EDDY Tug “… ensure ease of handling in even the most confined spaces. Despite its short length, the all-round high freeboard and stable, balanced hull allows for operations beyond the limits typically encountered in this class.”

It is accepted that high-speed indirect towage performance will be less than that of the EDDY 30-65 but will be significantly more than competing designs in the same length and power range. For improved control during narrow lock and bridge passages, optional towing pins can be fitted on the aft bulwark.

An important feature with the EDDY tug is its diesel direct, diesel electric hybrid propulsion arrangement which is offered as standard on the EDDY 30-65 and the latest model will incorporate the same system. EDDY Tug state that this set-up has proven to be extremely successful, realising “remarkable savings” in both fuel and maintenance costs while also allowing for high-precision manoeuvring and improvements in crew comfort.

The new tug offers accommodation for up to six persons in four cabins, two with separate sanitary facilities and the remaining two sharing one sanitary space. The galley and mess room are particularly spacious for a tug of this size and the ergonomically designed, split-level, wheelhouse allows for a dedicated winch operator station with additional crew seating positioned to avoid obstructing the tug master’s view.

Construction of the EDDY 24-70 commenced in July and a 360’ bridge simulator has been developed and put into service in the Netherlands for the EDDY 30 series. The new 24m model will soon also be included for crew training and to allow interested parties to evaluate the unique performance and handling of EDDY tugs.

By Peter Barker