First new generation RAmparts 3000 Class tugs from Robert Allan Ltd. and Cheoy Lee for Riverwijs, Australia

November 26, 2009

In September, 2009 the new tugs Riverwijs Maryon and Riverwijs Karoline were delivered to their Owner, Riverwijs, a joint venture alliance of Riverside Marine and Svitzer A/S. These tugs are the first of four new RAmparts 3000 Class tugs to be stationed at the Port of Dampier, Australia. Their primary duty will be to assist the docking and un-docking of LNG ships calling at Woodside Energy’s Withnell Bay Terminal. These are the latest of the RAmparts 3000 Class tugs to be built to this widely accepted design from Robert Allan Ltd., Naval Architects of Vancouver, B.C. This vessel however is the first of what might be considered the MkII version of that design, incorporating a number of refinements and lessons learned from the previous boats built in Asia and in South America. This updated design has a higher raised fo’c’sle deck, enabling the crew to easily reach the recessed bollards that are common on many of today’s high freeboard LNG ships. The raised fo’c’sle provides ample freeboard for operation in exposed sea conditions, and allows for increased headroom and livability in the forward accommodation.

Robert Allan Ltd. worked closely with the Owner’s to establish the final specification and vessel layout for the demanding service of this tug. The hull form still reflects the very well-proven double chine form with a sweeping “chined” stern that characterizes all Robert Allan Ltd. designs. A “ship-docking” skeg is fitted to enhance the manouvering capability within the confines of this constricted harbour and entrance channel.

Particulars of the RAmparts 3000 Class (Mk.II) design are as follows:

The tug is classed by Lloyd’s Register of Shipping: ✠ 100A1 Tug, ✠ LMC, UMS, IWS, Unrestricted Service, and is registered under the Australian flag, complying with all the stringent requirements associated with that flag state.

On trials the vessel performed exceptionally well, as predicted, achieving a sustained mean Bollard Pull of 68 tonnes ahead, and 63.5 tonnes astern at full power, and a free-running speed of 12.5 knots.

Tank capacities in this RAmparts 3000 design are as follows:

The general layout of the tug is illustrated in the General Arrangement drawing, shown here.

The vessel has been outfitted to the highest standards for a crew of up to seven (7) people, although the normal operating crew is three. The main deck features a ship’s office and a spacious crew mess/lounge, served by a fully equipped, modern galley. The main deckhouse contains the Master’s, Chief Engineer’s and single crew cabins, with a shared lavatory. There is a space for four extra crew in one cabin below deck, when required. The wheelhouse is designed for maximum all-round visibility with a single control station providing maximum visibility to both fore and aft deck working areas. The noise levels throughout the accommodation and control spaces of the tug are in the range of 60-63 dBA, achieved by utilizing advanced methods of isolating main propulsion machinery, as well as high grade insulations and floating floor techniques.

Main Propulsion for each tug comprises a pair of Niigata 6L28HX diesel engines, each rated 1838 kW at 750 rpm, and each driving a Niigata Model ZP 41 Fixed pitch Z-drive unit, in ASD configuration.

The electrical plant comprises two (2) identical diesel gen-sets, each with a 415 volt/50 Hz. power output of 86 kW.

A significant fire-fighting capability is provided, using FFS pumps and monitors. The single pump, rated 1,200 cu.m per hour, is driven from the front of the starboard engine through a step-up gearbox. Foam is injected into the system via an educator. The main hawser winch forward is a single drum Kraaijeveld “Safewinch”, containing 150 m of high-performance UHMWPE towline. The first two tugs will also be fitted with a Kraaijeveld towing winch aft, containing 1000 m of wire. The second two will be fitted with an H-bitt and tow hook only.

Ship-handling fenders at the bow comprise a 900 x 450 cylindrical fender above a row of 450 mm “W” block fenders. A 300 x 300 hollow “D” fender provides protection at the main and foc’sle deck sheer lines, and “W” block type fendering is used again at the stern.

For more information on these RAmparts 3000 Class tugs, or any other high-performance terminal or escort tug designs, please contact us.