Taikoo – Latest delivery of popular RAmparts 3000 Class tug for Hong Kong United Dockyards
November 28, 2011
In October, 2011 Cheoy Lee Shipyards handed over the first in a series of four RAmparts 3000 tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd. to its proud owners; Hong Kong United Dockyards (HUD). The Taikoo is the latest edition of this widely accepted RAmparts class design from Robert Allan Ltd., and derives its name from a historic dockyard in Hong Kong operated by Butterfield and Swire beginning in 1907. The yard was responsible for building some of the largest ships in the world during the early 1900’s. It was closed in the ’70’s to be developed into private housing. The operation eventually merged with Whampoa Dockyard to become Hong Kong United Dockyards.
The RAmparts 3000 Class Terminal Support Tug is a 30 metre Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tug, specifically designed for ship assist and coastal towing operations. This vessel is designed to meet the requirements of HUD for operations in and around Hong Kong. This particular version has an extended deckhouse with additional accommodation for the crew and cadets that will be aboard the vessel.
Particulars of Taikoo are as follows:
| Length Overall Beam, moulded, extreme Depth, Moulded (hull) Maximum draft (DWL) Loadline draft |
– 30.00 metres – 11.60 metres – 5.10 metres – 5.08 metres – 4.2 m above base line |
The tug is classed by Lloyd’s register of Shipping – ✠ 100A1 Tug; ✠ LMC, TUG, Unrestricted Service
Tank Capacities are as follows:
| Fuel Oil Fresh Water |
– 164 m³ – 29 m³ |
On trials, Taikoo met or exceeded all performance expectations, with the following results:
| Bollard Pull, ahead Bollard Pull, astern Free running speed, ahead |
– 74 tonnes – 67 tonnes – 13.0 knots |
The vessel has been outfitted to the highest standards for a crew of up to twelve (12) people, although the normal operating crew is five (5). The deck machinery comprises a Plimsoll HAETW/GDG-22-65/150 Hawser Winch at the bow, a Plimsoll HTW/SD-20/150 Towing Winch on the aft deck, and a Palfinger PK32002M knuckle-boom crane. The large main deckhouse contains a spacious galley and mess, three (3) double-cabins, a provisions store room, and a common washroom. The lower deck contains one (1) double cabin, one (1) quadruple cabin, a stores locker, laundry, and a common washroom. The wheelhouse is designed for maximum all-round visibility with forward and aft control stations providing maximum visibility to both fore and aft deck working areas.
Main propulsion for each tug comprises a pair of Niigata 6L28HX diesel engines, each rated 1,838 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 power output of 80 kW 380 V, 50 Hz, 3-phase.
Ship-handling fenders at the bow comprises two rows of 800 x 450 cylindrical fenders. A 350 x 350 hollow “D” fender provides protection at the main and foc’sle deck sheer lines, and 300 mm “W” block type fendering is used at the stern.
For more information on the RAmparts 3000 Class tugs, or any other vessel designs developed by Robert Allan Ltd., please contact design@ral.ca.