Rimorchiatori Riuniti Introduce Messico

Messico is a tug of 36.65m in length overall, beam of 13.60m and maximum draft of 4m.The new Voith propelled tug is suitable for a wide range of duties including harbour towage and ship handling, coastal towing, salvage and escort operations. It is also fully equipped for firefighting and oil spill response duties.Although this new tug is of almost identical overall dimensions to the tractor tug ‘Phenix’ previously described, it is configured and equipped in quite a different manner. The AVT 36/70 E Class design features a full raised forecastle running nearly half the length of the tug to provide a high standard of accommodation and the best possible seakeeping capability for operation in exposed conditions. Messico also features a large aft deck to facilitate oil recovery operations, a removable escort tow bitt to ensure a clear deck during non-towing activities, and oil dispersant spray capabilities. The second tug will have slightly different stern lines to incorporate a 3m long stern roller and a set of shark jaws.

Messico has dedicated tanks to accommodate 218 m3 of fuel oil, 130 m3 of reserve fuel oil, 67 m3 of potable water, 10 m3 of lubricating oil, 10 m3 of VSP oil, 15 m3 of fire fighting foam, 2 m3 of chemical dispersant and 130 m3 of recovered oil.

The vessel is powered by two MaK 8M25 diesel engines, each rated 2,640 kW at 750 rpm (total 7,174 bhp), each driving a Voith model 32R5-265-2 cycloidal propeller in tractor configuration. On trials the vessel outperformed all predictions, achieving a mean bollard pull of 82.7 tons, a maximum bollard pull of 86.33 tons, and a free running speed of 13.96 knots. The indirect escort steering force, yet to be tested at full scale, is estimated at 110 tons at 10 knots.

Electrical power is supplied by three identical diesel gensets, each with a 380 volt/50 Hz power output of 125 kW. Fire-fighting is to a Fi-Fi 1 Class, using FFS pumps and water-foam monitors.

The vessel has been outfitted to the highest standards for a crew of up to 14 people. Accommodation in the superstructure at forecastle deck level includes four officer cabins for single occupancy. At main deck level there are three two berth cabins, four single berth cabins, a galley, mess room, galley stores, workshop, oil lab, locker room/lobby, and deck store. The lower deck includes engineer’s stores and laundry facilities. Noise levels throughout the crew accommodation are in the vicinity of 60 dBA, achieved by utilising advanced methods of isolating main propulsion machinery as well as high grade insulation and floating floor techniques. The wheelhouse is designed for maximum visibility, with a single control station providing maximum unobstructed views over the working decks fore and aft.

Messico has a waterfall style double drum towing winch. The upper drum contains 1,000m of 56mm steel wire rope and the lower ‘split’ drum carries a 250m synthetic hawser for escorting, and a 150m synthetic line for harbour towing. A 70 ton radial arm tow hook is fitted along with a 25 t/m knuckle boom crane. The tug is well fendered with a mix of 450mm ‘W’ block and 300 by 300 hollow ‘D’ rubber mouldings.