First RAscal 2000 Class line-handling tugs from Robert Allan Ltd. for IRSHAD of UAE

October 16, 2007

In September 2007, the first of a series of three new high-performance, compact 20 metre line-handling tugs, named “Elyah” was delivered to the Owners, IRSHAD of Abu Dhabi, UAE (the marine arm of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) by the Grandweld shipyard of Dubai. These tugs are the first of a new class of powerful Z-drive line-handling tugs developed by Robert Allan Ltd., Naval Architects of Vancouver, B.C. Designated as the RAscal Series, these tugs are amongst very few of their type in the world to incorporate Z-drive propulsion, providing much more directional control when handling lines and floating hoses. The tugs also have sufficient power that they can easily be used as tail-back boats for small to medium size tankers on mooring/loading buoys.

The IRSHAD tugs will operate in the Client’s various oil terminals in the Middle-East. In addition to the basic line-handling functions, these tugs are equipped with a broad outfit of additional equipment, befitting much larger vessels. This includes a built-in oil-spill response and recovery capability, comprising a “Lamor” system which is built into the starboard side of the tug.

The tugs were built to Lloyd’s Register of Shipping Class notation:

Lloyd’s ✠ 100 AN – SSC, Workboat, Mono, Occasional Oil Recovery Duties, G3, Line Handling Tug ✠ LMC, UMS

Particulars of the RAscal 2000 Class tugs are as follows:

Propulsion comprises a pair of MTU 8V4000 M60 diesel engines, each rated 880 kW at 1,800 rpm, and each driving a Schottel model 550 Z-drive with a 1,750 mm diameter propeller through a Cardan shafting system. This combination delivers a Bollard Pull of 29 tonnes ahead, approximately 27 tonnes astern, and provides a free running speed in excess of 11.3 knots.

The RAscal 2000 Class tugs are outfitted as a day-boat for a normal crew of three persons in modern and well-equipped fashion, however some basic crew accommodation is also provided for periods of extended duty.

Deck Equipment comprises:

• a Plimsoll hydraulic towing winch, with 60 tonne Brake
• a 60 Tonne tow staple
• a Mampaey radial arm Towhook, 30 tonne SWL
• a 5 Tonne hydraulic capstan

Electrical power is provided by a pair of gen-sets, each rated 50 kW.

The tugs have a modest fire-fighting capability, comprising a 300 cubic metres/hr centrifugal fire pump, driven from the front end of the starboard main engine, supplying a single manual fire monitor.

The configuration of the new RAscal 2000 Class tugs are shown on the accompanying General Arrangement drawing and photograph.

For further information on the RAscal class line-handling tugs, or any other high-performance tug designs, please contact us.