New RAmparts 3200-W Class tugs for Iskes Towing

December 8, 2009

In November, 2009 Shipyard Kooiman of the Netherlands delivered the first of two (2) new powerful, RAmparts 3200-W ship-handling/terminal support tugs, the Brent to her Owners, Iskes Towing of Ijmuiden, Netherlands for service to the various local ports served by that company. The Brent is the latest of the RAmparts 3200-W Class tugs to be built to this widely accepted design from Robert Allan Ltd., Naval Architects of Vancouver, B.C., and joins previous RAmparts 3200 Class tugs of a similar design, built in Turkey for the same Owner.

Robert Allan Ltd. worked closely with the Owner to establish the final specification and vessel layout for the demanding service of this tug. Robert Allan Ltd. also produced a complete construction engineering package for the shipyard, comprising a complete 3-D structural model and 3-D Piping arrangement and piping spools model, all using ShipConstructor software. The hull form reflects the now very well-proven double chine form that characterizes all Robert Allan Ltd. designs, with a sweeping “chined” stern. A large escort skeg is fitted forward to enhance the indirect towing capability and to provide enhanced roll stability. The Owner requested the addition of many additional features to the design to suit their specific operations and to reflect their distinct “hands-on” approach to the ship-handling business.

Particulars of the Brent and its sister, the Ginger are as follows:

The tug is classed by Germanischer Lloyds ✠ 100, A5, E, Tug, ✠ MC, E, AUT, Fi-Fi 1 with water spray system.

On trials the vessel performed exceptionally well, as predicted, achieving a sustained mean Bollard Pull of 83 tonnes ahead at full power, with a free-running speed of 13.5 knots.

Tank capacities in this customized version of the RAmparts 3200-W design are as follows:

Features of the RAmparts 3200-W design include a half-raised forecastle running nearly half the length of the tug to provide a high standard of accommodation and a good sea-keeping capability for operation in exposed conditions. The fore deck is served by a double-drum line-handling winch and a heavy duty towing staple. 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 (3). The main deck features the Master’s and Chief Engineer’s cabins both with en-suite lavatories and a spacious crew mess/lounge, served by a fully equipped, modern galley. The lower deck contains one Mate’s cabin with en-suite lavatory and two (2) crew rooms, equipped for double occupancy, served by a communal lavatory. 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. Noise levels below 55 dBA were achieved throughout the accommodation spaces of the tug by utilizing advanced methods of isolating main propulsion machinery, as well as high grade insulations and floating floor techniques.

Main propulsion for the Brent comprises a pair of ABC model 12VDZC diesel engines, each rated 2,650 kW at 1,000 rpm, and each driving a Lips CS275 controllable pitch Z-drive propulsion unit, in ASD configuration. The electrical plant comprises two (2) identical Scania DI12 62M diesel gen-sets, each with a 400 volt/50 Hz. power output of 280 kW.

Fire-fighting is to Fi-Fi 1 Class, using Fischcon pumps and monitors. The two (2) pumps are each driven from the front of a main engine through a PTO. Each pump is rated 1,400 cu. metres per hour, to provide the required Fi-Fi output plus a self-protection deluge capacity. Foam is injected into the system via a round-the-pump type eductor.

The main hawser winch forward, manufactured by Ridderinkhof, is a double-drum type, each side containing 120 metres x 88 mm. diameter UHMWPE towline. On the aft deck there is a double drum towing winch also supplied by Ridderinkhof, with a harbour rope drum carrying 150 m of 88 mm diameter UHMWPE and a “sea wire” drum containing 800 m x 56 mm diameter IPFC steel wire rope. Other machinery on the aft deck includes a tugger winch for line-handling, a 120 t SWL tow pin set, and a 29 t-m capacity knuckle-boom crane.

Ship-handling fenders at the bow comprise an 800 OD x 400 ID cylindrical fender above a row of 300 mm “W” block fenders. A 400 x 400 hollow “D” fender provides protection at the main and foc’sle deck sheer lines, with the same hollow “D” fendering used at the stern.

For more information on the RAmparts 3200-W Class tugs, or any other high-performance terminal or escort tug designs developed by Robert Allan Ltd., please contact us.