Svitzer’s first TRAnsverse tug delivered

The vessel will be a ‘self-sustained tug with longer endurance and fewer operational constraints than a purely battery-powered vessel’, the firms say.

Bearing the name Svitzer Taurus, the new vessel was named at a ceremony at Sanmar’s Altinova Shipyard. It was attended by senior executives from both Svitzer and RAL along with civic dignitaries and the delivery can be considered an important milestone in the development of shiphandling tugs, which is witnessing innovation in both alternative fuels and the design of the vessels themselves.

In 2023 Svitzer, then part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, announced the launch of the second phase of its project to design what it called ‘the world’s first methanol hybrid fuel cell tug’, including its collaboration with RAL.

The eventual series will feature an electrical propulsion system with methanol fuel cells and batteries delivering a ‘self-sustained tug with longer endurance and fewer operational constraints than a purely battery-powered vessel’. Secondary methanol-fuelled generators will provide back-up power if required without the need for a secondary fuel.

Earlier, MAN had reported Sanmar ordering a pair of its 12V175D-MM, 2,040kW-rated IMO Tier III propulsion engines for the 60tbp TRAnsverse tugs. Another Turkish shipyard, Uzmar, is also engaged in constructing two new TRAnsverse tugs for Svitzer’s Australian operation.

Renderings of the vessel indicate the wheelhouse and accommodation positioned towards the raised (what can be considered) forward end with the covered towing winch amidships, allowing shiphandling operations over the stern via a ‘unique’ towing staple developed by Svitzer. The design also incorporates other safety-related features including automated connection of the tow line with the assisted vessel.

Omni-directional hull form

Of particular interest is the TRAnsverse tug’s design, which features a symmetrical hull form with in-line thrusters forward and aft.

At the time of the contract signing between Svitzer and Uzmar, the shipyard said the omni-directional hull form “enables it to maximise the forces necessary for braking and steerage during towage as it manoeuvres steadily in the water and consequently without compromising safety, even at full speed range. It maintains position with lower propeller input power than tug designs where the thrusters are mounted side by side, and overall brings a significant increase in stability and freedom of movement.”

Within Europe, while the adoption of tugs with symmetrical hull forms combined with in-line thrusters forward and aft has not taken off in vast numbers, the basic principle is not new.

Switzerland-based Purple Water’s ‘double-ended’ tunnel hull form, in-line thruster tug Giano, was launched in 2015 and is currently positioned in Dublin.

Hardinxveld-Giessendam-based Holland Shipyard Group has two tugs in its catalogue built to the symmetrical hull/inline thruster configuration, marketed under the name Eddy Tug.

The first example, an Eddy Tug Type 30-65 (30m/65tbp), has operated globally and with the name FFS Athos is currently under ownership of Norway-based FARMAR Management.

The second Eddy Tug, the 24-75 (24m/75tbp) Voith-propelled variant Telstar, entered service in 2016 before coming under Svitzer ownership in 2020 and currently operates in the IJmuiden/Amsterdam area.

Examples of symmetrical-hull tugs

Most recent examples of symmetrical-hull tugs with in-line thrusters are the impressive twin sister tugs Multratug 32 and Multratug 33, owned by Terneuzen-based Multraship Towing & Salvage.

The hulls were built by Theodor Buschmann, Hamburg and completed by Scheepswerf Maaskant, Stellendam in 2018. The Voith Schneider-propelled pair are based on RAL’s RAve design, but incorporate Alphen ann den Rijn-based Novatug’s Carrousel towing system.

The Carrousel system comprises a winch on a freely rotating ring positioned around the wheelhouse/accommodation, allowing the tug to rotate through 360^o while connected to a ship, providing enhanced freedom of movement for the tug. Novatug says the RAve tug ‘cannot capsize by towline forces’ and removes the age-old risk of girting and potential capsize.

Returning to delivery of Svitzer Taurus, guests were also able to witness Sanmar’s exclusive ElectRA 2300SX tug Dinamo 2023, which is part of Sanmar’s own fleet, get under way.

“This impressive and radically different tug is the result of our ongoing cooperation agreement with Svitzer and naval architects Robert Allan to research, develop and build eco-friendly tugs of the future through innovation and technological advance,” said Sanmar chairman Ali Gürün.

“It is the latest in a long line of new, state-of the-art tugboats that Sanmar has delivered to Svitzer over many years.”