Canadian ship designer Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) has been awarded a contract by Rio Maguari Shipyard (Estaleiro Rio Maguari – ERM), located in Belém, Brazil, to develop the design package for an innovative Articulated Tug and Barge (ATB) for shipping containers along the coast of Brazil.
The two ATB convoys will be owned and operated by Aliança Navegação e Logística (ANL), a major logistics services provider in Latin America, and part of the Maersk Group. The RAL engineering team, lead by Senior Projects Director, James McCarthy was tasked with developing an ATB suitable for operations along the entire coast of Brazil, including the south where the worst environmental conditions along coastal Brazil are found.
Design work started by engaging in-house experts with CFD and Motions Analysis experience to predict the vessel reactions to the expected conditions, which served as a foundation and guidance for the design processes. The same team performed hull optimisation studies in an effort to significantly reduce fuel consumption while providing excellent directional stability for the ATB convoys. Analysis was performed using Proteus DS dynamic analysis software to check the pin loads at the ATB tug barge connecting pins and ensure that they were within allowable limits during extreme sea conditions.
The TRAnsfer 3800 tug will measure 37.5m by 13.0m, by 6.2m depth, have a marine diesel fuel storage capacity of 360m³ and a freshwater capacity of 45m³. Propulsion machinery will include two Wärtsilä 6L32 main engines, each delivering 3,200 kW at 750 rpm, and powering Schottel SRP630FP Z-drives with 3.4m propellers. The tug and the barge are both designed to ABS Class requirements and compliance with Brazilian Flag Rules (NORMAM-01/DPC).
Each barge will measure 130.0m by 28.0m, by 8.0m depth, and will be able to carry approximately 700 TEU, including dangerous goods and reefer containers, distributed above and below deck. The barges will be fitted with a 500kW Schottel SST2 bow thruster, and generator sets capable of powering the anti-heeling system, bow thruster, and reefer containers.
These two new ATB convoys will significantly improve the coastal transportation market in terms of energy efficiency, operational safety, innovation and crew comfort. After the construction of these vessels, ERM will have completed a total of 100 vessels designed by RAL.
