The Mighty Hercules Enters Service
April 8, 2020
The tug Hercules was built by Diversified Marine Inc. of Portland, OR and has now entered service for Crowley Maritime Corporation in Seattle, WA. Designated a RApport 2500, this latest incarnation is an evolution of the series that has been a West Coast standard for nearly 20 years – compact, flush-decked and cost-effective ASD tugs developed specifically for ship assist work in busy harbors.
Capable of escorting and berthing the largest ships calling on West Coast ports, this powerful tug sets a new standard for elegant simplicity in design. Performance, maneuverability and visibility are exemplary, as is the fit and finish in the three, two-person crew accommodation cabins. A high-performance Markey winch is a key feature of the deck machinery package and ensures optimal control of the ship while connected to the tug.
Named after the Roman god Hercules who was renowned for his strength and protection of the needy; a perfect name for a tug!
The Particulars of the tug are:
- Length Overall: 82’-0” (24.99 m)
- Beam, moulded: 40’-0” (12.19 m)
- Depth, moulded: 14’-0” (4.27 m)
- Maximum draft: 17’-0” (5.18 m)
- Gross tonnage: 198 US Reg. / 307 GT International
- Fuel oil: 22,000 gal. (83.3 m3)
- Potable water: 400 gal. (12.9 m3)
Propulsion is provided by a full Caterpillar package; two CAT 3516E main engines rated for 3004 bhp at 1800 RPM, driving MT627 thrusters with 106” (2.7 m) fixed pitch propellers, connected by carbon fibre shafts.
The tugs were designed to ABS class rules and 46 CFR – Subchapter M regulations
On trials, the vessel performed as follows:
- Bollard pull, ahead: 89 tons / astern: 87 tons
- Free running speed, ahead: 12 knots
For more information on the Hercules or on any other high-performance vessel designs developed by Robert Allan Ltd., please contact design@ral.ca.