Canadian naval architecture practice Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) has announced the delivery of low-emission tug ‘Hayden Grave’, a RApport 2600 design, to Bay-Houston Towing of Galveston, Texas from Master Boat Buildersof Alabama.
The new tug is the first in a series of three vessels for Bay Houston Towing and takes some design cues from previously completed Z-Tech tugs designed by RAL. The design team and the client worked to address the operational challenges the vessel would face. Main features of this latest RApport design include compact size and shallow draught allowing it to operate in more confined waterways than previous Z-Tech vessels, as well as a special styled deckhouse.
The 26m (85ft) tug was designed and constructed to comply with all applicable Rules and Regulations of ABS ✠A1 Towing Service, ✠ AMS, and USCG Sub-Chapter M. The main propulsion for the tug comprises a pair of Caterpillar 3512E, EPA Tier 4 certified diesel engines, each rated 2,213 bhp at 1,600 rpm, and driving a Schottel SRP 430FP Z-drive unit with 2.2m diameter propeller. Electrical plant consists of two identical John Deere 4045AFM85 diesel gensets, each with a power output of 99 kWe 480V, 3-Phase, 60 Hz.
RAL has additionally announced the commissioning of the 50th tug of the RAmparts 2400-SX design, exclusively produced by Sanmar in Turkey. The tug, SAAM Condor, has been delivered to South American towage giant SAAM Towage. The powerful, low emission tugboat is designed to support various propulsion systems delivering up to 70t BP. Tugs to the same basic design are in widespread use around the globe; from Vancouver to the Maldives, and from Scotland to Peru.
