Svitzer London joins the fleet

The tug was constructed in Damen’s Song Cam shipyard and put aboard the ship along with a second ASD 3212 the Mercurius destined for the fleet of Iskes Towage & Salvage. The latter was taken to the nearby Padmos yard in Stellendam for further customisation.

Introduced to the towage industry just two years ago at the ITS 2012 event in Barcelona, the ASD 3212 has proved to be a highly successful product designed to handle very large ships in exposed locations. Since was first introduced 20 vessels have entered service 9 are on order and a further batch are available ‘on stock’.

The design is the result of considerable research and represents including a completely revised hull form, with a higher bow with a more flared and slender shape, resulting in a dry fore deck and the ability to operate in waves of up to 3m in height. Trials with Svitzer London confirmed a maximum bollard pull of 82.2 tonnes towing ahead and 75.4 tonnes astern, along with a top speed of 14.0 knots going both ahead and astern.

Svitzer London is a tug of 32.70m in length overall, with a beam of 12.82m, a depth (at sides) of 5.35m and a draft aft of 5.532m. The tug has been constructed and equipped to meet the requirements of Lloyds Register; +100 A1 Tug (+), LMC, UMS. In normal operation the tug will be engaged in push-pull shiphandling operations and escort duties.

A standard production propulsion package is installed incorporating a pair of Caterpillar 3516C HD+TA/D diesels delivering a total of 5050bkW (6772 bhp) at 1800 rev/min. Each engine drives a Rolls Royce US255 P30 FP fully azimuthing propulsion unit incorporating a 2800mm diameter fixed pitch propeller. With this arrangement the tug has a highly responsive performance thanks to the very quick acceleration and high torque at low revolutions, made possible by this engine/propulsion unit combination.

The high foredeck and shoulders aboard Svitzer London are extensively fendered for shiphandling operations, featuring a new ‘super-absorbent’ bow fender design developed for maximum energy absorption, comprising two rows of cylindrical rubber mouldings.

This particular vessel will be used almost exclusively for shiphandling over the bow and only one towing winch is fitted. A hydraulically powered double drum winch incorporating an anchor windlass is installed on the foredeck. The winch has a maximum brake holding load of load of 200 tonnes, a line pull of 38 tonnes at 11.5 m/min and a slack rope recovery speed of 35 m/min.

If a towing connection is require aft substantial ‘Dutch style bitts’ are provided and a 100 tonnes SWL Mampaey quick release towhook. Also installed aft is a 5 tonne SWL capstan and a Heila HLM 29-35 deck crane, complete with wire winch, with a maximum lifting capacity of 2150 kg.

The wheelhouse has the standard Damen layout with navigational and communications equipment to suit the owners requirements. Air-conditioned accommodation is provided for up to 10 persons in six cabins, with all the usual facilities.

By Jack Gaston