‘VB Bravo’ is the first of a new class – by Jack Gaston

The 35m azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tug is the first of a new class designed for use as powerful berthing and escort tug, equipped for fire fighting at the higher FiFi 2 standard, and pollution control duties. UNV delivered the vessel on 13 November 2009 for use under the Spanish flag, registered in Tenerife.

VB Bravo complies with Spanish Marine Directorate regulations applying to this size and type of vessel and carries the following ABS notation;- +A1, Towing Vessel, Escort Vessel, Fire Fighting Vessel Class 2, Oil Recovery Vessel Class 1, (E), AMS, ABCU.

The vessel’s principal dimensions are; length overall 35.45m, length between perpendiculars 31.49m, beam (moulded) 13.00m and design draft 4.70m. A heavily built double chine hull incorporates a high forecastle extending aft to amidships and a long box keel. The bow carries extensive fendering for push-pull operation and the open stern is heavily fendered on the aft corners.

The tug is propelled by two Rolls-Royce US 305CP propulsion units driven by a pair of MAN 9L27/38 main engines, each rated 3,000kW at 800 rpm (100% MCR), for a total of approximately 8,150bhp. Each main engine also drives an Aker Kvaerner fire pump and a pump for the hydraulic deck machinery via Norgear/Kumera step-up gearboxes. The auxiliary machinery is powered by Volvo Penta diesels.

On trials VB Bravo achieved a bollard pull of 108 tons towing ahead and 101 tons astern at 100% MCR and a top speed of 15 knots.

Two independent Ibercisa towing winches are installed on the foredeck for shiphandling and escort work. A further Ibercisa single drum winch is provided for towing over the open stern, along with hydraulic tow pins and line handling gear.

The powerful FiFi 2 fire fighting system incorporates three Jason-Eureka monitors, remotely controlled water/foam monitors mounted on the forward deckhouse, and a further water only monitor above the wheelhouse.

Tank spaces are designated as follows; 371cu/m for fuel (including waste collection tanks), 67cu/m of fresh water, 11cu/m of oil, 36cu/m of foam compound and 7cu/m of chemical detergent.

The centrally located wheelhouse is equipped to a high standard, with a navigational and communications package suitable for seagoing operation and conforming to the requirements of GMDSS Area 1,2 & 3.

A comprehensive suite of accommodation is fitted out to house a crew of eight persons in ten cabins, including all the usual facilities and all above the waterline. Single cabins are provided for the Captain and chief engineer and three two berth cabins for six crew. Two additional single cabins are available for additional officers or supernumaries.