(SEATTLE) — Western Towboat Company, a Seattle based tugboat operator, has chosen Rapp Hydema U.S., also a Seattle-based company, to build a custom towing winch for the new vessel Bering Titan. Rapp Hydema has a long working history with Western Towboat Company, equipping their various tugboats with deck machinery for over a decade. Rapp Hydema’s in-depth knowledge of winch design and Western Towboat Company’s over 60 years of experience in the industry has contributed to the construction of the ideal towing winch to fit their needs.
The main drum capacity for the winch is over 3,200 feet of 2 1/4-inch steel cable, with an additional 2,700 feet of 2-inch cable stored onto the smaller drum. The pull at the first layer is rated at 25 metric tons. The Rapp four motor hydraulic drive is equipped with three speed steps, providing speed range from 30 m/min up to 124 m/min.
“Our winches represent a good balance between heavy duty operation and modern design,” said Dan Markovic, engineering manager at Rapp Hydema U.S. “Multiple motor drives, both when talking about hydraulic and electric winches, provide for redundancy — if any motor get damaged, it could be removed in a few simple steps and the winch operated with somewhat lower pull. We understand that the winch is a working tool for the vessel; if the winch does not operate, the complete vessel may be out of action.”
Ed McEvoy, port engineer at Western Towboat Company, points out the difference from the previous winches that Rapp has built for them: “The winch being double drum is a benefit. It also has a serviceable level wind. We will be able to service the winch and maintain it.” McEvoy also comments on working with Rapp Hydema on this project has been “basically merging designs from both companies in order to make a serviceable, long lasting piece of equipment.”
About Rapp Hydema U.S.
Rapp Hydema, founded in 1907, manufactures trawling, ROV, oceanographic, towing, mooring, anchor and other winches, and has been a leader in the vessel deck machinery industry for over half a century. Rapp-Hydra Pro (RHP), subsidiary of Rapp Hydema, delivers ISO 9001:2008 and API Spec 2C certified deck, cargo, subsea, and other marine cranes. Rapp Hydema U.S., based in Seattle, is a part of the Rapp Marine family based in Bodø, Norway. For more information, visit www.rappmarine.com.
