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Zamakona delivers number one of ten to Boluda

Spain’s Zamakona Yards has delivered the first of ten new design escort tractor tugs built to exacting and specific requirements, for Boluda Towage and Salvage.

As well as the first of series, yard number 768, VB Xaloc is also the first example of Robert Allan Ltd.’s new TRAktor 3200-V class VSP escort tug. The series are designed specifically to meet Boluda’s ‘demanding requirements’ for performance, propulsion, accommodation arrangements and tank capacities, and all within a gross tonnage limit of less than 500t.

CFD studies were carried out to analyse the impact of the hull form on the expected bollard pull from the VSP propulsion units with the relatively limited space of such a high-powered vessel also requiring extensive collaboration between owner and designer resulting in a functional layout given the constraints. VB Xaloc is subsequently a vessel of substantial appearance with full forecastle deck for rough sea operations and a spacious working deck aft suitable for roles including ship-handling, escorting and oil recovery operations.

The tug is classed by BV with main dimensions: LOA 31.57m, beam moulded 12.8m and harbour draught 6.3m. Tank capacities include fuel oil 134.8m3 and potable water 45.5m3.

The engine room contains two MAK 8M25E medium speed main engines, each rated 2,800kW at 750rpm and driving Voith Schneider 32R5-265-2 cycloidal propellers through 1330 DTL Voith Turbo Couplings. The main engines are complemented by three Caterpillar C7.1 diesel gensets, each with a power output of 150ekW, 50Hz, 400V. All-important performance figures are 79.6tbp ahead and 13.6kn free running speed ahead.

The tug meets fifi1 standard, provided by two FFS SFP XP horizontal centrifugal pumps of 1,450m3/hr each, driven off the front of each main engine. Two remotely operated monitors supplied by FFS are installed aft of the wheelhouse, one with 1,200m3/hr sea water capacity, the other 1,200/300m3/hr sea water/foam capacity.

The conventional tractor tug method of towing over the stern is adopted with an Ibercisa MR-H/200/2/300-80 double-drum hydraulic escort towing winch. Low power pull (first layer) is 75.5t at 8.4m/min with a rendering capacity of 120.8t at 13.4m/min. Brake holding load is 200t. A 100t SWL Mampaey towing hook and Cytecma CM214/5SL 14.5m/1T deck crane are also fitted aft.

Double-row fendering aft comprises an upper row of 800mm cylindrical fender with W-fender below; 300mm D-fendering is provided at the sheerline with three rows of 300mm D-fender around the bow.

Accommodation is provided for eight persons, all MLC compliant cabins with en-suite toilet space located on the main deck. Crew comfort is enhanced through ‘significant’ noise and vibration reduction measures throughout the tug including: resiliently-mounted main engines, gensets and auxiliary engine; high attenuation engine exhaust silencer systems; ventilation intake air silencers, sound dampening deck treatments and other insulation measures.

Details

  • United States
  • Peter Barker