The Port of Luleå in Sweden recently placed an order for a new harbour tug that will also be capable of icebreaking.
The tug will join three other vessels in the Port of Luleå's current icebreaking fleet. Two of the tugs will provide icebreaking support at the ports of Kalix and Piteå during winter.
Port of Luleå CEO Anders Dahl said the acquisition of a fourth tug will ensure that the port's tug fleet will still be able to provide adequate icebreaking support even if one of its vessels is unavailable due to maintenance or repairs.
The 33.45-metre long tug will be fitted with twin azimuthing stern drives, thus guaranteeing significantly enhanced manoeuvrability and allowing to be performed ahead as well as astern. A total installed power of around 7,500 kW will deliver a bollard pull of 72 tonnes.
The new tug will be handed over to the Port of Luleå within this year and will be named Victoria upon entering service.