The first of four new tractors arrive in Antwerp

The Port of Antwerp continues to operate a long standing ‘all Voith tractor policy’ for their extensive tug fleet used exclusively for shiphandling within the enclosed dock systems. The tugs are traditionally un-named and identified by a serial number. This latest addition to the fleet is ‘40’

The design follows a well established concept, changed only to satisfy the increasing demand for more bollard pull as ships become larger. ‘40’ and its three sister ships, ‘41’, ‘42’ and ’43’, was designed by SENER Ingenieria y Sistemas, working closely with UNV and the client. The resulting vessel is 29.50m in length overall, 12.50m beam, 4.50m depth to the main deck and a maximum draft of 3.80m. Design and construction meets the class requirements of Bureau Veritas; 1+Hull,+ Mach,Tug Coastal Area,+AUT-UMS, Comf-Noise 3.

In plan view the hull is almost oval and well fendered fore and aft. The hull has a pronounced shear and incorporates a sizeable skeg and the usual docking/nozzle plate beneath each propeller. Achieving the required performance with such a relatively shallow draft may well have been an important requirement for the client but a challenge for the naval architects.

Tank capacities quoted are 142 cu/m of fuel, 18 cu/m of fresh water, 7 cu/m of lubricating oil and 90 cu/m of ballast.

To achieve the required bollard pull of 70 tonnes, two ABC DZC 12 cylinder main engines are fitted, each developing 2,640kW at 1000 rpm (total approximately 7,080 bhp). Power is transmitted to a pair of Voith Schneider Type 32R5/265-2 propulsion units. This combination produces the required bollard pull performance and a maximum free running speed of 13 knots.

Electrical power aboard this class of tug is supplied by two Scania (type D1 12 62M) powered generating sets, each rated at 199kW at 1500rev/min – 225kVA, 50 Hz.

Deck equipment supplied by Brusselle includes a conventional anchor windlass and two anchors in the bow. Two towing winches are fitted in a rather unusual configuration on the after deck. A Brusselle type HSL 150-50/1-0 single drum main towing winch with a 75-5kN line pull is mounted on the centerline. A similar auxiliary winch is placed diagonally on the port side. When in use either winch can deploy a towline via the same deck mounted ‘staple’.

Accommodation is provided for a maximum crew of six persons, with the usual mess room, galley, stowage and sanitary facilities.