Bulani – the first of a new breed

Bulani, the first of two compact and powerful ASD tugs of this new breed, has been delivered to P&O Maritime. The new vessel will operate at the port of Maputo in Mozambique where P&O Maritime has a long term contract to provide all marine services at the port under an agreement with the port concession holder, Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC).

Once again the new class was designed by Robert Allan Limited in close collaboration with the builder to meet the customer’s special requirements. Designated the RAmparts 2400 PO60, the new tug is a shallower draft, broad beamed, ASD intended for in-harbour operations. The design is focussed on low manning operation, with a high standard of machinery automation, and with accommodation layouts that can be adjusted to match almost any reasonable requirement. Bulani is configured primarily as a day boat but accommodation for up to six crew has been included.

Sanmar hope that this new design will build on the phenomenal success of the yard’s ‘Ulupinar’ series, of which 16 are now in service around the world.

Measuring 25.2m in length, 12m beam and with a navigational draft of just 4.2m, Bulani has a bollard pull of 60 tonnes. This figure is achieved with a propulsion system comprising two Caterpillar 3512C diesel main engines driving counter rotating Rolls-Royce US 205FP azimuthing propulsion units with four bladed fixed pitch propellers of 2,400mm diameter. The maximum free running speed is 12 knots.

A DMT double drum winch fitted on the vessel’s fore deck has a brake capacity of 150 tonnes. Located on the after deck is a Data Hidrolik quick release tow hook with a safe working load of 130 tonnes. Space is also available aft to accommodate a 20ft ISO container.

The tug is being delivered by sailing around the West and South coasts of Africa and is expected to commence operations at Port Maputo in early December.

Alan Rowan, regional director of P&O Maritime Middle East, Africa & Europe region said: “Bulani will be the most advanced harbour tug operating in the region. It will significantly boost the capability and safety of towage for ships calling at the port. Our emphasis on excellence is reflected in this order for two vessels from a quality shipyard that will enhance customer service.”

In response, Sanmar director Ali Gurun said: “We now have an impressive range of compact and powerful tugs and welcome P&O Maritime’s faith in us as a builder of choice. A 70- tonne BP version has also been developed and we are already discussing this model with potential customers.”