Seaspan Resolution, a handsome new tug for Vancouver

Seaspan Resolution

was constructed by J M Martinac Shipbuilding in Tacoma, Washington and is similar to the tugs America and Pacific Star built by the same yard (Maritime Journal, March 2008). Designated the AZ 30/80 this new class was introduced by Robert Allan Ltd, Naval Architects of Vancouver, and reflects the designer’s on-going commitment to developing the highest possible standard of new powerful ship-handling and escort tugs.

The tug was built to Lloyd’s Register of Shipping Class notation + A1 Towing Vessel. LRS also conducted all inspections and reviews for Transport Canada approval under a ‘Delegation to Class’ process. Seaspan Resolution is a vessel of 29.90m in length overall with a moulded beam of 12.30m and maximum draft of 5.30m. Dedicated tanks spaces accommodate 170 m³ of fuel and 13.6 m³ of fresh water.

The configuration of this class of tug at deck level and above is designed to offer maximum possible overhead clearance whilst operating in the escort mode and in close proximity to large ships during ‘push-pull’ shiphandling operations. Suitable fendering for the various roles the tug will undertake was given due consideration and was supplied by Schuyler Rubber. A Shibata 800mm diameter cylindrical bow fender is fitted above an array of Schuyler ‘soft-loop’ fenders that extend around the full length of the main deck. An additional large array of ‘Soft-Loop’ fendering is also installed around the lower bow to deal with ‘low freeboard’ barge-handling operations.

The propulsion system comprises a pair of EMD Model 12-710G7C-T2 diesel engines, each rated 2,237 kW (6080 bhp total) at 900 rpm, and each driving a Niigata model ZP-41 fully azimuthing propulsion unit, via a hollow in-line shafting system. Each propulsion unit incorporates a 2,700mm diameter fixed-pitch propeller. On trials this combination delivered a Bollard Pull of 81.9 tonnes ahead and a free running speed in excess of 13 knots.

Electrical power onboard is provided by a John Deere 6125AFM75 auxiliary generator rated at 250 kW, and a John Deere 6068TFM76 harbour/emergency generator set of 99 kW.

The main towing winch, mounted on the foredeck, is a single drum, model HJ electric winch supplied by Burrard Iron Works of Vancouver and equipped with 225m of 88mm diameter synthetic towline. The winch has a maximum brake capacity of 150 tonnes (mid drum), and a line pull of 40,000kg at a speed of 20 metres/minute, or 2,000kg at 90 metres/minute (mid drum).

Seaspan Resolution is outfitted as a day-boat with a normal operating crew of three persons in modern, well-equipped facilities. Accordingly, the main deck accommodation features a spacious and comfortable crew mess/rest area with a well-equipped galley/pantry, an office, first-aid room, a lavatory and shower space. An open breezeway and access corridor across the deckhouse enables all the interior accesses to be placed in a very sheltered location close to the centreline of the tug, minimising the potential for any ingress of water below decks, as well as providing a full acoustic break between the noise source of the exhaust casings and the crew quarters and wheelhouse.