Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyard has completed a five-vessel tug order for Smit Lamnalco for operation at three LNG export terminals at the Port of Gladstone on Australia’s east coast.
This edition of MJ covers two major Australian LNG projects employing high-quality towage services with strong European involvement. This report concerns delivery of last of series, SL Wiggins Island by Sanmar and at the time of writing, due to join sister vessels: SL Curtis Island, SL Quoin Island, SL Boyne Island and SL Heron Island.
All five modified Robert Allan RAstar 3400 designs were delivered in a short time scale, the first, SL Curtis Island in December 2014. The series are classed by BV and in full compliance with Australian Maritime Authority safety regulations, principle dimensions of the five include 34m length, 14.5m beam and draught 6m. Main propulsion is via a pair of Wärtsilä 8L26 diesels each developing 2,720kW at 1,000 rpm, performance figures are 86tbp ahead, 80tbp astern and speed 15 knots, they also meet FiFi1 notation.
The series are described as “LNG proof” and are equipped with gas detectors and gas-tight dampers on air inlets and outlets. All electrical deck equipment including towing winches, navigation lights, outside lights and emergency stop buttons are built to explosion-proof standards.
The electric gas-tight dampers are remotely controlled by the gas safety system utilising a two stage alarm; one at 20% lower explosion limit (LEL) and a second at 40% LEL. Closing of the dampers is controlled by the crew from the wheelhouse and all non-explosion proof electrical equipment including radar, searchlight and windscreen wipers can be switched off via a single button in the event of a gas alarm.
Sanmar states the RAstar 3400 design represents “a truly unique development in terminal escort tug design with many new features.” A user-friendly control system has been designed using touchscreen technology to control the vessel’s systems, backed up by conventional controls. Towing winches are powered by two 75kW electrical motors driven by separate frequency drives and inverters providing full redundancy. The components, together with dynamic brakes are all water-cooled allowing safe operation in all weather conditions.
Frederik Rutgers, Smit Lamnalco’s General Manager in Gladstone states: “We are delighted with these new terminal service vessel” adding “We are very impressed with the quality of construction and the tugs are performing well. Our Captains report that they have excellent sea-keeping characteristics and are very strong and stable.”
For Sanmar, Project Director Ali Gürün states: “It has been a pleasure to build these vessels for Smit Lamnalco and we look forward to continuing our business relationship in the months ahead. We are proud of the quality of our products and our vessels now operate in many regions of the world including Australia, the Middle East and West Africa.”
By Peter Barker
