Iskes fleet receives another significant boost – by Jack Gaston

In November 2009 the Brent, was delivered by Gebr Kooiman BV of Zwijndrecht and its sister ship Ginger, will follow at the end of February.

Brent and Ginger have been constructed to the increasingly popular RAmparts 3200W design from Robert Alan Ltd of Vancouver. The tugs are wider and more powerful than the RAmparts 3200 Class tug Triton delivered to Iskes earlier in 2009.

Robert Allan Ltd worked closely with the owner to establish the final specification and vessel layout, taking into account many additional features required to suit the specific operations and to reflect Iskes distinct ‘hands on’ approach to the ship handling business. Brent measures 32m in length, 12m beam, with a maximum draught of 5.21m, and is classed by Germanischer Lloyd; +100, A5, E, Tug, + MC, E, AUT, Fi-Fi 1 with water spray system.

A pair of ABC 12VDZC diesel main engines generate a total of 5,300kW (approximately 7,200bhp) to drive Lips CS275 azimuthing propulsion units with controllable pitch propellers. On trials the tug performed exceptionally well, as predicted, achieving a sustained mean bollard pull of 83 tons ahead at full power, with a free running speed of 13.5 knots.

Two towing winches are fitted, both by Ridderinkhof. A double drum winch located on the foredeck carries120m of 88mm diameter UHMWPE towline. On the after deck a double drum winch carries 150m of 88mm diameter UHMWPE and an 800m towline of 56mm diameter steel wire rope. Other deck machinery includes a tugger winch for line handling, a 120t SWL towing pin set, and a 29 tons/m capacity knuckle boom crane.

Brent and Ginger have been outfitted to the highest standards to accommodate up to seven people but will normally operate with a crew of three. The wheelhouse is designed for maximum all round visibility with a single control station providing maximum visibility to both fore and aft working areas. Noise levels below 55 dBA were achieved throughout the accommodation spaces by isolating the main propulsion machinery and utilising high grade insulation and floating floors.

Other changes to the Iskes fleet are the recent sale of the Voith tractor tug Argus and the completion of an extensive refit to the tractor tug Saturnus, a former German vessel acquired just a few months ago. With the arrival of Ginger in February, Iskes will have at their disposal a mixed fleet of ten tugs to serve IJmuiden and the North Sea Canal, Amsterdam, and pursue work offshore.