AWARDS 2024 | Best Naval Tug – AT 010 – Robert Allan Ltd & Josefa Slipways

This 62-tonne-bollard-pull tug is one of two Robert Allan Ltd designs built locally by Josefa Slipways (JSI) for the Philippine Navy. AT 010 is the larger of the two and is designed for oceanic operations while the smaller vessel will focus on harbour operations.

Well-built, equipped and outfitted, the larger tug has been conceived to handle every imaginable task an increasingly busy navy might possibly ask of it.

"AT 010 is powerful, highly manoeuvrable, and built specifically for operation even in extreme conditions using the most modern and reliable machinery," Arturo Balahadia, JSI's VP for Operations and Marketing Manager, told Baird Maritime.

Balahadia said that manufacture of the tug posed some challenges primarily in the area of logistics, as delivery lead times for machinery and equipment became factors in meeting production schedules.

According to Darren Hass, Project Director and Senior Naval Architect/Engineer at RAL, AT 010 was developed based on a RAL design series typically outfitted with azimuth stern drives but instead equipped with conventional propellers and steering gear and customised to suit the Philippine Navy’s unique requirements.

"The navy required that the vessel be versatile and capable of multiple duties including towing/pushing large ships, rescue, firefighting, and crane operations and arranged with an efficient accommodation layout to suit the complement along with providing the various additional unique spaces required for the navy’s operations," said Hass.

AT 010 was developed in conjunction with another tug for the navy. Thus, Hass remarked that the development of the two different designs simultaneously required separate teams to closely coordinate the vessel arrangements and ensure as much commonality as possible to best serve the navy’s operation.

"Commonality included the wheelhouse and mast arrangement, fendering arrangement, similarities in equipment and structural design details."

Hass explained that another challenge RAL encountered during the design period was having to deal with longer than normal lead times on equipment orders. This meant that the designs had to be adapted and be flexible when the final equipment information became available.

When asked about trends impacting shipbuilding in the present, Balahadia remarked that, "technological advancements and environmental regulations," are the ones driving transformation in the industry.

"The year 2024 was a strong year for us. We have seen solid growth across key markets particularly in supporting government agencies' vessel acquisitions just like in previous years, and we are on track to surpass several strategic goals."

Balahadia believes that, as JSI works towards supporting government agencies' acquisition programs in 2025, there will be "notable improvements" as most of the company's new conceptual proposals will be given importance and therefore prioritised for funding by the Philippine Government.

"This is a benefit of renewed customer confidence, operational efficiencies and an excellent track record," Balahadia told Baird Maritime. "Looking ahead, we are very optimistic and well-positioned to take the lead in the Philippine shipbuilding industry."

In Balahadia's view, the tug industry will evolve steadily, especially when considering maritime modernisation, safety and environmental regulations, port expansions, and growing demand within the global shipping industry.

As for the Philippines' own workboat industry, Balahadia expects it will experience, "a significant transformation over the next few years." This will be driven by shipping modernisation efforts and the sustainability initiatives brought about by continuing industrialisation in ports and in coastal areas.

"We have the maritime industry development plan that aims to modernise the local shipbuilding industry by adopting digital shipyard solutions," said Balahadia.

For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.