UNV deliver Tommaso Onorato – by Jack Gaston

Tommaso Onorato was built to the UNV 755VS design for a shiphandling and escort tug, several of which have been completed previously for the parent Boluda Group. The vessel measures 29.50m in length overall, with a moulded breadth of 11.00m, a depth of 4.00m and maximum draft of 5.76m. A double chine hull configuration incorporates a pronounced sheer and a long, deep, forecastle intended to give maximum protection when at sea. The Voith propulsion units and skeg are quite conventional in design and location and the after deck and winch have been kept as low as possible to enhance stability whilst towing.

The design and construction complies with the class requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping with the following notations; ABS +A1 (E) Escort vessel/towing, Fire Fighting class 1, +AMS, ABCU. On trials Tommaso Onorato achieved a bollard pull of 54 tons and a maximum speed of 13 knots. No figures for steering or braking forces in the escort mode have been quoted.

Two Caterpillar 3516B main engines provide power for the propulsion system, each delivering 2,000kW (‘C-rating’) at 1,600rpm, 100% MRC, a total of approximately 5,434bhp. Each engine is coupled to a Voith Schneider 28R5/210-2 propulsion unit with a blade orbit of 2.8m.

Onboard electrical power is supplied by two 145Kva Stamford alternators each powered by a Volvo Penta D9 auxiliary diesel.

Both anchor windlass and towing winch are from Ibercisa. The towing winch is located aft and deploys its towline through a robust ‘A’ style towing fairlead (staple) which is carefully

positioned above the skeg. Designated Ibercisa MR-H/120/150-80-1, the hydraulically powered single drum carries up to 150m of 80mm diameter towline. The winch has a maximum brake load of 140 tons and a maximum line pull (on the first layer) of 54 tons at 9m/min. A Ferri 1516 tow hook is fitted for secondary and emergency use.

The tug is well protected by a fendering system designed to withstand push-pull operations using the stern, in normal tractor fashion. The forecastle, side and bow are protected by heavy ‘D’ section rubber mouldings.

Two Jason Eureka remotely controlled, short barrel, fire-fighting monitors are located on either side of the wheelhouse roof. The system is supplied by two Kvaerner OGF, 250 x 350 fire pumps, one coupled to each main engine via Kvaerner Jason SRG C-2-55 UK CW step-up gearboxes.

Tank spaces are allocated for 183cu/m of gas oil, 29cu/m of fresh water, 5cu/m of lubricating oil, 27cu/m of fire fighting foam and 26cu/m of ballast.

The wheelhouse has a single control position with particularly good visibility over the towing deck aft. A navigational and communications outfit is installed to GMDSS Area 2 standards, and in keeping with harbour, offshore and coastal duties.

Fully airconditioned accommodation for the officers and crew is located in the forecastle, above main deck level. Facilities include single berth cabins for the Captain and Chief Engineer, two double berth cabins for crew, a messroom, separate galley, sanitary spaces and a storeroom.