(VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — Sanmar A.S. delivered the Robert Allan Ltd.-designed RAstar 3200W escort tugs Civitavecchia and Saraceno Primo to Italian tugboat operator Italtugs S.p.A. to close out the very busy tug-building year of 2015. The tugs were constructed at Sanmar’s Tuzla facility, the greenest shipyard in Turkey.
The RAstar offshore/escort tugs designation is reserved for a unique class of ASD tugs, designed with a sponsoned hull form, a concept originated by Robert Allan Ltd. 20 years ago, and which has been proven in both model and full-scale testing to provide significantly enhanced escort towing and seakeeping performance. Motions and accelerations are less than half those of comparable sized “standard” tug hulls. It is interesting to note that others are now attempting to emulate this concept. Civitavecchia and Saraceno Primo are the first of the latest evolution of the remarkably successful RAstar tug series, now entering its 20th year of ongoing progressive development.
Robert Allan Ltd. worked very closely with Sanmar A.S. to develop this new class of 80 to 90-tonne BP tugs, targeted at the European market. The new RAstar 3200W class design was tailored to provide ultimate operational flexibility and a level of safety and redundancy not achievable with a smaller vessel. Specific features include a very low profile, wide beam, and shortened forecastle deck while maintaining the sea keeping and escorting capabilities of the RAstar class.
With space and volume at a premium, accommodation, locker, and deck arrangements were optimized for utility. Unique additions include a bow thruster and deck crane to aid in oil recovery operations. With an emphasis on technology and quality, this class of tug was fitted with top of the line equipment and constructed with crew comfort as a priority. True workhorses, these vessels have been designed to carry 210 cubic meters of fuel oil and 63 cubic meters of potable water for extended endurance, estimated upwards of 2,700 nm cruising at 11 knots.
For more information, visit www.ral.ca.
