The latest RAstar goes to IRSHAD

Named Alaryam, the vessel is the latest delivery of an escort tug built to the increasingly popular RAstar Class designs from Robert Allan Ltd. of Vancouver.

This particular vessel is a RAstar 3600 designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including shiphandling, LNG and oil tanker escort, fire-fighting and oil spill response/recovery duties. In common with other examples of the RAstar class, the hull form ensures the highest standards of both escort towing capability and superior seakeeping in the heavy sea conditions encountered in those operations.

Alaryam is classed for unrestricted duty and was accordingly built to Lloyd’s Register of Shipping Class: +100 A1 Escort Tug, Fire-Fighting Ship 1 (2,400 cu/m/hour), Occasional Oil Recovery Duties, LMC, UMS, EP, MCM, and in full compliance with SOLAS and International Loadline regulations.

The new RAstar is 35.80m long with a 13.50m beam and has a maximum operating draft of 5.87m.

Wartsila was responsible for the propulsion system, which comprises a pair of Wärtsilä 8L26 diesel engines, each rated 2,600 kW at 1,000 rpm and driving a Wärtsilä CS275 controllable pitch azimuthing propulsion unit. With this installation the tug satisfied all performance expectations with a recorded bollard pull of 84 tons and a free running speed of 14.7 knots.

Alaryam is very well equipped for its various towing and escort duties. The fore deck is fitted out for typical shiphandling and escort work, with a Karmoy double drum towing winch, Karmoy tow pins and anchor windlass. With escort operations in mind the winch features a towline render/recover system and drums capable of accepting 200m and 150m of 76 mm diameter high performance towline.

Towing gear on the aft deck includes a 100 ton SWL towing bitt and a Mampaey tow hook. Also fitted is a 10 ton capstan and a hydraulic knuckle-boom deck crane of 15 tons/metre capacity.

The Alaryam is outfitted to the highest standards for an operating crew of up to twelve persons. Facilities on board include accommodation for the full complement in two single cabins, each with individual en-suite toilet and shower facilities, and five spacious double cabins. Communal spaces include a combined lounge/mess area and a fully equipped galley.

In common with the majority of Robert Allan Ltd designed tugs, a great deal of attention was paid throughout the design process to mitigate the propagation of noise and vibration. This includes the essential resilient mounting of the main engines, isolation of all exhaust system components, and the extensive use of visco-elastic floating floor systems throughout.

Alaryam is currently operating out of Abu Dhabi, UAE.