Robert Allan Ltd. to design a new dual-fuel tug for Ningbo Port

November 27, 2015

Image thanks to Tyler Haglund under creative commons 2.0

On October 21st, Robert Allan Ltd. was awarded a contract by Ningbo Port Company Ltd. in China for a RAstar 4200-DF Class dual-fuel (LNG-MDO) tug. This agreement follows extensive efforts by both Robert Allan Ltd. and the Port in identifying a concept best suited to the Port’s unique requirements.

The award of this contract builds on the extensive history of collaboration between the two companies on several successful series of tug designs, dating back to 2004, and includes multiple series of 32 to 39 metre long tugs (4800 – 7200 hp), including the recent Yong Gang Tuo 31.

The new RAstar 4200-DF tug will be powered by a pair Niigata 8L28AHX-DF dual-fuel engines, each driving a Rolls-Royce US 255 CP Z-drive, and delivering a bollard pull of close to 80 tonnes. The tug will have an LNG capacity of 50 – 60 m³, and will be fully classed as a dual-fuel tug with China Classification Society (CCS). Robert Allan Ltd. will also assist the Port with the construction contract tendering process.

For more information on the RAstar Series escort tugs, on tugs operating on alternate fuels, or on any other Robert Allan Ltd. designs, please contact us at design@ral.ca.