BRAtt takes off and goes green – by Jack Gaston

The BRAtt training tug was the brainchild of Ron Burchett and Robert Allan Ltd, and is the result of a collaboration that recognised the global need for a cost effective ASD training vessel for today’s towage industry (MJ – October 2009). Hence the name Burchett and Robert Allan training tug – BRAtt. The vessels are designed exclusively by Robert Allan Ltd, naval architects of Vancouver, and will be built by Adrenalin Marine Ltd. of Delta, BC, which has been selected as the licensed builder for all BRAtts in North America.

The very first BRAtt prototype, a direct diesel powered version, was on display at ITS 2010 and available for demonstration to delegates. The 7.8m long BRAtt is powered by two Cummins engines producing 450bhp and incorporates most of the same technology and operating systems as a full size ASD tug. This enables operators to be trained to safely handle the more expensive and larger tugs that have become common in the world’s major ports without putting those major assets at risk. Although primarily intended as a training vessel, the BRAtt is also designed to be an affordable alternative to full sized tugs for harbour duties such as boom deployment, barge towing, and line handling, etc.

Robert Allan Ltd, Western Maritime Institute, and Corvus Energy Limited signed a contract at ITS 2010 for the design and construction of the world’s first ‘Green’ Training Tugs. Western Maritime Institute (WMI) is an accredited marine training institute located near Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, providing a wide range of operational and safety training courses for marine personnel at all levels.

WMI is scheduled to take delivery of two BRAtt Class training vessels, one fully electric and one hybrid-electric, in 2011. This will coincide with the introduction at WMI of its DNV certificated, advanced tug and pilot ship handling courses, offering to the tug operators of the world the first such commercially certified training program with an international focus. WMI will be the first such institute anywhere in the world with dedicated ASD training vessels.

Corvus Energy designs and manufactures Lithium-ion battery systems for vessels from the size of a BRAtt to commercial ocean going vessels. The company has developed the electrical propulsion power systems for both vessels in close collaboration with Robert Allan Ltd. The design options chosen offer the best of both worlds, one fully emission free, electric powered vessel and one fuel efficient, diesel electric hybrid vessel. By incorporating Corvus’ battery technology, WMI has made a strong statement that the future of the commercial marine industry is tied to a commitment to the environment and the reduction of pollution and harmful emissions. A full account of the first BRAtt prototype and the BRAtt programme will appear in these pages very shortly.