Master Boat Builders, Bayou La Batre, Ala., is constructing two new 98'6"x43'6"x15'7" Robert Allan-designed Advanced Rotortug (ART 80-98US) tugs for Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Seabulk Towing. Seabulk officials said this is the first time the Rotortug, which features triangular propulsion to deliver optimum maneuverability, will be used in the U.S. Seabulk is a unit of Seacor Holdings Inc.
“We have made a conscious decision to introduce the Advanced Rotortug in the United States because we believe they represent the next generation of highly maneuverable tugs that provide an ideal solution for LNG export terminals and other applications that demand safe moorings,” Rick Groen, Seabulk’s chief operating officer, said in a statement announcing the newbuild tugs.
With a draft of 18'6", the ART 80-98US tugs, named Trident and Triton, are scheduled for delivery in early 2017 and will work out of existing Seabulk Towing locations at U.S. Gulf and Florida East Coast ports. Main propulsion will come from three Caterpillar 3512C, Tier 3 diesel engines, producing 1,910 hp at 1,600 rpm each. The Cats connect to three Schottel SRP 1210 Z-drives. The propulsion package gives the tugs a running speed of 12.5 knots.
Whereas a typical stern-drive tug provides power from just two drive units, the ART has three strategically positioned azimuth propulsion units, offering full redundancy and maximum maneuverability while dividing the installed power among a trio of smaller units that combine for a guaranteed bollard pull of 80 tons, according to Seabulk. Alphatron controls are in the pilothouse.Ship's service power will come from twin Cat engines sparking 150 kW of electricity each.
Advanced Rotortugs furnish the latest technology for safe, dependable operations even under the most challenging of circumstances, Groen said. “As the U.S. LNG market continues to grow, we definitely see increasing demand for such versatile ARTs.”
Seabulk’s Advanced Rotortugs aim to bring to the U.S. market maximum maneuverability and enhanced safety in escorting LNG tankers and other high-demand applications, Groen said. Capacities include 52,000 gals. of fuel; 5,000 gals. water; 865 gals. main engine oil; and 865 gals. gear oil.
On deck will be two Jonrie Intertech towing winches. The forward hawser escort winch is a Series 230 outfitted with 450' of Samson 12 2-5/8"x8" HMPE rope. The aft combination towing and hawser winch is a series 500 outfitted with 2,100' of 2.25" wire rope and 450' of Saturn 12 2-5/8"
The new tugs will be ABS classed Maltese Cross A1, AMS, UWILD, Unrestricted Navigation. The Trident is scheduled to be delivered in January and the Trident soon afterward.
