Another Pella tug for Russia

Pella Shipyard specialises in the serial production of harbour tugs in the 1,000hp to 5,000hp range and the company’s reference list is dominated by deliveries to various naval fleets of the Russian Federation. The designation for this particular series is Project 90600 and RB-413 has now been put into operation within the Baltic Fleet. The vessel was sanctified recently by Churchman Andrey of the Church of Alexander Nevsky.

RB-413 is intended for use in: towing and berthing operations in harbour, roadsteads and coastal areas; refloating of ships and vessels; fire-fighting operations at floating and shore locations; oil and petroleum product transportation and icebreaking and erosion operations. The vessel is classed by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) and carries the notations KM* Ice2-Arc4 R3 AUT3 FF3 WS Tug. Main particulars are length maximum 25.4m, width maximum 8.8m and speed 11.8 knots

Caterpillar supplied the main engines for the RB-413 with two C32 diesels developing 2,746kW at 1,800 RPM, coupled to twin Rolls-Royce US 155 Z-drives with fixed-pitch propellers in nozzles. Two 86kW, 380V diesel generators are also included. The external fire-fighting system complies with RMRS FF3 WS class rules and comprises a diesel fire pump with a capacity of 800m3/hr supplying two 300m3/hr water-foam monitors. Water curtain protection is also included.

The tug is configured primarily for ship-handling operation over the bow using a Fluidmecanica electro-hydraulic anchor and towing winch providing 10t pull and 847kN brake holding force. Provision for conventional towing over the stern is via a 23t SWL towing hook with a quick release device. A Palfinger 2300 cargo crane rated at 150kg at 5m completes the stated list of deck machinery.

RB-413’s fendering arrangement comprises a single row 600mm round rubber profile system around the bow and a similar 300mm arrangement around the stern and sides. Tank capacities include: 70m3 of fuel oil, 1.6m3 of lube oil, 12m3 of fresh water and 18m3 of ballast. The wheelhouse layout is a typical arrangement of a single seat between two parallel consoles with all main controls immediately to hand including a radio installation complying with GMDSS area A1 navigation requirements.

Project 90600 tugboats from Pella bear many similarities to other standard ASD ship-handling tugs and it is easy to overlook what Pella describe as the “distinguishing features” of this class of tug which include: high manoeuvrability; high level of automation and centralisation of control ensuring security and comfort of piloting; operational reliability also in severe ice conditions; all-round view from the wheelhouse; installation of equipment of world leading manufacturers; comfortable compartments for work and rest and ease of operation and finally high economic efficiency.

By Peter Barker