(VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL) has announced that the company’s longtime clients, Bay Houston Towing and Suderman & Young Towing Co., have awarded construction contracts to Sterling Shipyard in Port Neches, Texas, for multiple new tugs of RAstar 3200-W design. The first tug is expected to be delivered in October 2025.
The specially designed RAstar 3200-W tug for this application is based on the very successful RAstar 3200 design series, of which more than 100 units have been delivered or are under construction worldwide.
The tugs will be powered by a pair of EMD 16 E23B HD Tier 4 engines and propelled by two Schottel SRP-610 units generating a bollard pull of 105 metric tonnes. When performing escort operations, the 105-foot-long escort tugs will be capable of providing a steering and braking force of 115 tonnes and 162 tonnes, respectively, at speeds up to 10 knots. The tugs will be fitted with a towing winch on the aft deck for coastal towing service.
The tugs will have ABS notations of ✠ A1, Towing Service, ✠ AMS, Escort Service, Fire-Fighting Vessel 1, and Low Emission Vessel (U.S.).
Robert Allan Ltd. is to provide a production design package, including steel parts and piping spools, to Sterling Shipyard as well.
– Robert Allan Ltd.
