TUGS & SALVAGE

Karachi Port go to Uzmar for a rapid delivery

17 years ago

The Pakistani port authority, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), has placed a € 16.2m order with the Uzmar Shipyard in Turkey for two powerful ASD tugs. It is reported that KPT had identified an urgent and vital requirement for high powered floating craft, including tugs and pilot boats, to keep the port operational during the annual monsoon season between May and September.

A tendering process for two ASD tugs was carried out by KPT early in 2009 and shortlisted three international shipyards, Uzmar, Sanmar and Bogazici, from at least eight participants. Uzmar was finally chosen due to their ability to complete the order, using stock hulls and equipment, within six months. An agreement covering the tugs’ price, mobilisation charges, cost of spares, guarantees and incidental charges was signed in Karachi on 31 August.

Although the original requirement called for two tugs with a minimum bollard pull of 60 tons Uzmar will fulfil the order with vessels built to an established ASD 3070E design of 75 tons bollard pull.

The specification is that of a terminal and shiphandling tug with FiFi 1 fire fighting capability, also suitable for of coastal towage, escort duties and supplying fresh water. Built to a Robert Allan design, the vessels will be 30.25m in length overall, with a 11.75m beam and maximum draft at speed of 5.8m. Two Caterpillar 3516B HD DITA C rated diesels generate a total of 5,435bhp (4,000bKw) to drive a pair of fully azimuthing propulsion units incorporating controllable pitch propellers. Towing winches are fitted fore and aft to maximise the use of the 70 tons bollard pull.