Guadeloupe tug order for Piriou

At a time when tug delivery and order news involves increasing numbers of hybrid, all-electric or alternative fuel vessels it is easy to overlook continuing interest in more traditional variants, typically ASD configuration but benefitting from progress in more fuel efficient machinery. The order has been placed by Caraibes Remorquage, operator of Pointe-à-Pitre harbour in Guadeloupe.

A positive endorsement of a builder and specific design is when a client returns to the same yard for a similar vessel such as here where the new tug, to be named Pointe Vigie 2 follows the OST 30 Pointe Tali which became Caraibes’ first tug when delivered by Piriou in 2018. The reason for the additional vessel, described as ‘more powerful and better equipped’ is a commonly heard one where tug operators must handle ever-larger container ships, in this case calling at the ports of Basse-Terre, Marie-Galante and Pointe-à-Pitre. Guadeloupe’s location in the centre of the chain of Caribbean islands is also of strategic importance for responding to ship casualties and Pointe Vigie 2 will be capable of providing deepsea assistance and rescue services. The OST 30 design is also capable of standard push and pull operations.

It will be powered by twin 1,900kW main engines fitted with integrated slipping clutches for optimised operation attaining a speed of 12.5kn. At 60tbp Pointe Vigie 2 will be more powerful than its fleet-mate which provided 55tbp with a fuel capacity of 87m3 and 26m3 of fresh water. The vessel will benefit from periods of three years between careening with special anti-fouling and an ICAF system. Other main characteristics include an overall breadth of 10.4m, depth at main deck 4.45m and maximum draught 5m.

Specific client requirements include: a pneumatic starter system to limit the number of on-board batteries; gasoil and fresh water systems for ship supply; firefighting capability, stern winch and towing hook for deep sea towing; fendering adapted to push low freeboard barges and finally an indirect refrigeration system involving all the vessel’s equipment with box coolers adapted to tropical conditions with no seawater circulation. The new vessel is under construction at Piriou’s Vietnam shipyard and due for delivery in Q3 2022.

By Peter Barker