First Z-Tech Tug Delivered

Named Indee , and constructed by Cheoy Lee Shipyards inHong Kong, the vessel was built to a radical new design by Vancouver based naval architect Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) specifically for the PSA.

Designated the ‘Z-Tech 2800’ the tug is just 27.4m in length overall, with a beam of 10.5m, and draft of 5.0m. The tug is effectively a ‘double ended’ vessel intended to incorporate the very best handling and operating characteristics of both Z-drive tractor tugs and Azimuthing Stern-Drive (ASD) vessels. An extremely compact configuration enables the tug to work safely under the flare and overhang at the bow and stern of large container ships and car carriers.

The truly ‘omni-directional’ performance is attributed to the unique hull design that incorporates a long, deep, box keel and combined bow skeg, and propulsion units positioned beneath a flared (bow shaped) stern.

Indee is fitted with two Caterpillar 3516B main engines supplying a total of 5068bhp (3730kW) to power a pair of Schottel SRP 1215 fully steerable propulsion units. Trials at the end of March proved conclusively the merits of the “Z-Tech “concept with the tug meeting or exceeding every expectation, including the unique omni-directional performance. The tug achieved a sustained bollard pull of 63 tonnes and a maximum of 70.1 tonnes towing ahead in the pusher mode. In the astern (tractor) mode Indee produced a sustained pull of 58.7 tonnes and maximum of 60.2 tonnes. An almost equal free running speed of 12.6-12.8 knots was achieved in either direction.

Those involved in the trials described the tug as ‘exceedingly smooth and steady in all operating conditions’. It was also reported to be ‘virtually vibration free, and noise levels throughout met or exceeded the requirements of the Australian Maritime Code for tugs. The Z-Tech 2800 was very stable, with highly damped roll motions, providing a very comfortable ride in the constant slop of Hong Kong harbour’.

Considerable attention has been paid to achieving a clear working deck and visibility from the wheelhouse is reported to be excellent. The tug tows from a Plimsoll winch with a brake holding load of 150 tonnes and line pull of 20 tonnes. A fire fighting system, supplied by a 1400m 3/hr diesel driven pump, has two remotely controlled monitors at boat deck level.

Indee was one of a pair of Z-Tech tugs under construction at the yard and the second vessel is well advanced. PSA has since sold both vessels to Australian interests and placed orders for two more vessels of the same type. Robert Allan reports several serious enquiries from other operators and the likelihood of other orders in the near future.