Drake 
Harbour Tugs and Operation

Sweden's Sundsvall Port welcomes new icebreaking tug into service

Gareth Havelock

The Port of Sundsvall on Sweden's Baltic Sea coast has taken delivery of a new ice-capable, ASD harbour tug.

The 30- by 10-metre Drake ("Dragon") will replace an older vessel that was built in 1972. It will be used primarily to break ice to enable the entry and departure of vessels at the Port of Sundsvall as well the nearby harbours of Östrand, Tunadal, Mokajen, Vindskarsvarv, Kubal, and Stockvik.

The tug will also be used for escort and for assisting other vessels with broken thrusters and under harsh wind conditions. Secondary duties will include crew transfer and external firefighting.

The vessel's other features include a NOx reduction system with selective catalytic reduction to ensure compliance with IMO Tier III regulations. A shore power connection will enable the tug to plug into the local grid at Sundsvall to produce onboard heat for the interior spaces without having to use generators.

Drake is also fitted with heated double-glazed windows to help ensure crew comfort in the wheelhouse.