What is believed to be the world’s first Voith propelled tractor tug with LNG dual fuel propulsion has been successfully launched by Uzmar Shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey.
Named the Sultanhani, this is the first of two hulls being built for Turkish tug operator Botas to the Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) TRAktor V3900-DF design.
A first of its kind design, the TRAktor V3900-DF builds on RAL’s experience designing both Voith tractor tugs and LNG dual fuel tugs. It combines the manoeuvrability and reliability of Voith propulsion in a greener envelope where the tug can operate on either diesel or LNG. Even when operating on oil alone emissions are reduced with an IMO Tier III after-treatment installation. Due to the forward location of the VSP units the LNG tank hold is located aft of the engine room, providing separation of the gas system and any associated hazardous areas from the accommodation block.
The TRAktor V3900-DF is 39m length oa, 15m beam and 6m depth. Fuel tanks are 40m3 for LNG and 164m3 for MDO. Output power is 2 x 3000kW, which is predicted to provide 80t bollard pull.
Image: RAL TRAktor V3900-DF (credit: Robert Allan Ltd)
