Robert Allan, Svitzer Reach Tug Design Agreement

TRAnsverse Tug
TRAnsverse Tug
Renderings of the TRAnsverse Tug bow (above) and stern (right). Images courtesy of Robert Allan Ltd.

Vancouver, BC-based naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd. has reached a tug design agreement with global towage operator Svitzer for a vessel that they say incorporates several unique elements and combines them in a safer, more efficient package.

The pact was announced by the companies in early December.

“This tug is a game changer,” Svitzer COO Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard said. “Our customers expect us to deliver…environmentally friendly towage services at a competitive price and it is our passion to think out of the box and deliver innovative solutions to meet these expectations. I am proud that we are able to pave the way for future tug designs and at the same time ease the transition from the marine fuel we use today to the future carbon-neutral fuels that we are transitioning to over the coming years.”

Working under guidance from Svitzer, an extensive tank-testing program was conducted in Hamburg, Germany, resulting in several iterations of propulsion layout. Appendages and towing arrangements were tested in various operating scenarios and the final layout was selected based on optimal performance, controllability and safety, according to the companies.

The TRAnsverse Tug, as it has been named, would be able to generate higher steering forces than most designs of similar dimensions and comes with a staple design and unique ability to push, pull and maneuver in all directions, according to Svitzer.

The first TRAnsverse Tug, according to the companies, will be a 25.8m 60t Bollard Pull tug built to comply with emissions regulations, according to Svitzer. It’s designed with thrusters in line and an omni-directional hull form and would be equipped with a render recovery double drum escort winch and a set of 100 T SWL tow pins.

“The compact and more fuel-efficient TRAnsverse Tug is scalable and suitable for all types of harbor and terminal towage operations,” Svitzer said in a statement.

“Robert Allan Ltd.’s ability to provide unique, flexible and innovative engineering solutions during the early design phases was a key factor in developing a tug that is exclusively customized to Svitzer’s requirements,” the architecture firm said in a statement of its own.

Sanmar Shipyards of Istanbul, Turkey has been selected for the tug’s construction. Robert Allan Ltd., Svitzer and Sanmar have a history of co-operation on tug-building projects.

“Robert Allan Ltd. is very excited to be part of the team that will bring this new and innovative tug design to the towage market,” Robert Allan Project Manager James Hyslop said. “Integrating all these technologies into one vessel has never been done before and it was a real challenge to do it in a way that is safe, functional and economic. Our design team is looking forward to the opportunities that will come with the construction and testing of this tug, as it paves the way for future newbuilds in the Svitzer fleet.”