The first VSP (Voith Schneider Propeller) tug, of the new VectRA 3000 series, named Arie A, constructed for Italian operator Tripmare Spa of Trieste has been joined in the Israeli Port of Ashdod by the second, named Ashdod.
The VectRA 3000 series, which has been designed by the Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd exclusively for Sanmar, the leading Turkish tug builder, contains many innovative ideas aimed at developing a cost-effective VSP tug for the world market. Sanmar’s design brief was to create a VSP tug which was under 500 GRT and which would incorporate high-speed engines, a clutch between thruster and engine, electronic controls and be fully MLC 2006 compliant for all crew accommodation.
The tug measures 30.25 meters in length with a molded beam of 13 meters and an overall draft of 6 meters. Driving the forward located Voith type 32-R5 250 cycloidal propellers are a pair of Caterpillar 3516C high speed diesels, each developing 2525kW at 1800 rev/min. These engines are connected to the Voith propulsion through a pair of Reintjes model WAF 843 clutch and reduction gearboxes. This reduces transmission losses, thus increasing the overall propulsion efficiency, and also enables the drives to be de-clutched at idle, significantly reducing fuel burn. Using high-speed engines also significantly reduces the space occupied by drive machinery and of course results in much lower weight, allowing a finer more efficient hull form for the same deadweight. This machinery combination will deliver a bollard pull of up to 70 tons and will drive the hull at a predicted speed of not less than 12.5 knots.
Ashdod is equipped with a DMT TW-H 800kN hydraulic driven double drum winch with tension indication clutches. The first drum has capacity for 710 meters of 54 millimeter steel cable whereas the second drum has the capacity for 150 meters of 94 millimeter nylon rope. Both drums have a brake capacity of 200 tons.
The VectRA 3000 series, which has been designed by the Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd exclusively for Sanmar, the leading Turkish tug builder, contains many innovative ideas aimed at developing a cost-effective VSP tug for the world market. Sanmar’s design brief was to create a VSP tug which was under 500 GRT and which would incorporate high-speed engines, a clutch between thruster and engine, electronic controls and be fully MLC 2006 compliant for all crew accommodation.
The tug measures 30.25 meters in length with a molded beam of 13 meters and an overall draft of 6 meters. Driving the forward located Voith type 32-R5 250 cycloidal propellers are a pair of Caterpillar 3516C high speed diesels, each developing 2525kW at 1800 rev/min. These engines are connected to the Voith propulsion through a pair of Reintjes model WAF 843 clutch and reduction gearboxes. This reduces transmission losses, thus increasing the overall propulsion efficiency, and also enables the drives to be de-clutched at idle, significantly reducing fuel burn. Using high-speed engines also significantly reduces the space occupied by drive machinery and of course results in much lower weight, allowing a finer more efficient hull form for the same deadweight. This machinery combination will deliver a bollard pull of up to 70 tons and will drive the hull at a predicted speed of not less than 12.5 knots.
Ashdod is equipped with a DMT TW-H 800kN hydraulic driven double drum winch with tension indication clutches. The first drum has capacity for 710 meters of 54 millimeter steel cable whereas the second drum has the capacity for 150 meters of 94 millimeter nylon rope. Both drums have a brake capacity of 200 tons.
