“Basically, everything between the master’s hands and propulsion units had to be replaced” is how Alfons Håkans describes how one of its oldest ASD tugs needed to be future proofed.
Upgrading and modernising tugs to maintain their cost effectiveness and allow the owner to extract maximum return on its investment is not uncommon in the towage world. Cosmetic changes often provide a modern external appearance, but the ageing process continues with the systems that are out of sight and must be similarly addressed.
Propulsion system manufacturer Steerprop has provided an insight into its operation to modernise Finnish tug operator Alfons Håkans’ ASD tug Artemis.
The fact that the 45tbp, 3,600bhp tug was around 40 years old clearly did not mean it was past its best, but as it was no longer possible to obtain spare parts for its original control system, for safety reasons Håkans decided to consider a “full scale upgrade”.
As Tuomas Raumanen, Håkans technical manager, says: “We noticed pretty quickly that it made sense to renew all parts related to control of the propulsion units including things like control levers, cables, computer units and feedback sensors.”
The need to carry out the upgrade was identified back in 2019 and as Steerprop was near the vessel owner’s headquarters, the advantage of ease of communication and rapid response aided by fast delivery and a reasonable price made Steerprop “an obvious choice.”
Keeping downtime to a minimum was obviously essential and Håkans’ own staff and subcontractors commenced the preliminary work, including installing new cables and manufacturing foundations for electrical cabinets while the tug was still in normal operation.
Meanwhile, Steerprop was building the entire control system at its own facilities.
The actual installation began with the dismantling of the old system and fitting of the new cabling. Next, electric cabinets related to the new system were installed, a process described as easy thanks to the preliminary work.
The most time-consuming part of the upgrade was connecting the new cables to different units but was nonetheless completed on schedule. After seven days, everything was completed and it was time to put the new system to the test. Sea trials were carried out, including adjustment of the final parameters, which was easily achieved as it had been considered when planning the software.
The start of the installation to final approval by the customer took nine days in total.
“After sea trials and final adjustments our masters and chief engineers were satisfied and also surprised at how well whole process went. Of course, it takes a while before masters and others get used to a new type of control levers, but that’s common when changes are made to older vessels,” said Raumanen.
The biggest advantage in comparison to the old system is said to be where all adjustments can be made very easily, the new system is far more reliable. The information the system provides about the status of the propulsion units is also much easier to understand and Håkans estimates that the upgrade has added 10 to 15 years to the lifecycle of Artemis.
Steerprop considers its cooperation with Alfons Håkans “went extremely well” with the former’s designers in frequent contact with personnel on board to ensure the new system fitted existing spaces and locations as well as fulfilling the wishes of the end user.
The control system was modified to the existing propulsion as well as a bridge control system with control levers, control panels and relevant touch screens. The manufacturer was also able to make modifications based on the customer’s wishes, for example bridge control panels were customised to fit existing cabinets, and where touch screen views, control panel buttons and indicators fit existing vessel functionalities and desired functions.
The capability for remote service diagnostics is also included,
allowing Steerprop’s service department to diagnose faults and system status remotely. A further example of the tug’s futureproofing is where Steerprop says that should the owner want to replace the existing units with its own azimuth propulsors, the control system can be utilised with minimal changes.
Clearly, Artemis is set to continue in service potentially for many more years to come.
