Naval power courtesy Rolls-Royce

The first of three ASD 2810 Hybrid tugs were delivered recently to the Netherlands Navy with main mechanical propulsion systems powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M63R engines each delivering 1,840kW, plus a diesel-electric propulsion system and a 640kW genset based on a MTU 12V 2000 M41B engine and batteries.

The hybrid arrangement permits operation under certain conditions on battery power generated by the combustion engine. Compared with conventional tugs, hybrids use up to 30% less fuel and produce 40% fewer emissions. A bollard pull of 60 tonnes is quoted for the Dutch trio whose tasks include: towing of military vessels, transfer of crew members and positioning of floating targets during military exercises.

Hector and Hercules are two Damen ASD 3010-ICE tugs recently delivered to the Swedish Navy, each one powered by two MTU 8V 4000 M63 diesels each with an output of 1,000kW producing a bollard pull of around 55 tonnes. They are equipped with fire-fighting equipment powered by a 12 cylinder, 600kW MTU Series 2000 engine.

The ICE Class tugs’ reinforced hulls are resistant to abrasion and mechanical stress and like the Dutch trio are expected to carry out a wide range of diverse duties, including in waters partly covered by ice. These duties involve: ship towage, the recovery of torpedoes used in military exercises and carriage of military equipment, drinking water, fuel, and up to 12 crew members.

Knut Müller, Head of Marine, Offshore and Defence Business, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Damen have already successfully completed numerous tug projects in the past. We are delighted about this renewed collaboration and the trust and confidence placed in our MTU engines.”

On behalf of Damen, Roel van Eijle, Sales Manager, Damen, said: “The MTU engines provide the tugs with excellent manoeuvrability and are ideally suited to operations carried out by the Dutch and Swedish Navies in port and coastal areas and at sea.”

By Peter Barker