Robert Allan Ltd. Completes Design of RApide 3000-Z2 Pushboats for Hermasa; Construction Underway

January 15, 2026

Robert Allan Ltd. is pleased to have completed, for long-term client Hermasa, the RApide 3000-Z2 pushboat design, an innovative and challenging vessel tailored to the unique conditions of the Madeira River system. Hermasa has now begun construction of two of these next-generation vessels, which will significantly enhance high-capacity grain transport in the Amazon region. A key differentiator of these vessels is their ability to operate on B100 biodiesel as well as conventional marine diesel oil, reinforcing Hermasa’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

The RApide 3000-Z2 pushboats are designed for shallow-draft operation, enabling safe and efficient navigation throughout the Amazon River basin. When completed, each vessel will be capable of pushing up to 20 barges with a combined cargo capacity of 32,000 metric tonnes, supporting Hermasa’s commitment to sustainable, high-volume logistics.

  • Length overall: 30 metres
  • Breadth, moulded: 12 metres
  • Depth, moulded: 3.2 metres
  • Draft, navigational: 2.3 metres

The vessels are designed to Brazilian Flag Rules (NORMAM-202) and will be certified as inland navigating vessels by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) under the Class Notation:

✠ A1 River Service, Towing Vessel, ✠ AMS

The vessels’ accommodations are outfitted for a crew of up to 10 personnel.

The propulsion system of the RApide 3000-Z2 pushboat comprises a pair of Kongsberg US155 P14 Z-drive units, each powered by Wartsila 6L20 medium-speed marine diesel engines rated at 1150 kW. To align with Hermasa’s sustainable objectives, the engines are capable of operation with either B100 biodiesel or marine diesel oil. The Z-drives are fully withdrawable afloat and feature 1800 mm fixed pitch propellers for optimal maneuverability and efficiency in shallow water. Electrical power is supplied by two MWM diesel generator sets, ensuring redundancy and reliable operation for all onboard systems.

For more information on RApide 3000-Z2 or any of the RApide pushboats, barges, or on any other specialized, shallow draft vessel designs developed by Robert Allan Ltd., please contact us at design@ral.ca.