Sanmar is starting construction of a new series of tugs destined to be offered as a standard delivery from the shipyard.
Named the "VectRA 3000", the Voith Schneider Propeller-powered (VSP) tug series was developed by Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Ltd.
The design, developed exclusively for Sanmar, is aimed at developing a cost-effective VSP tug for the world market. Sanmar's brief to Robert Allan Ltd was to create a VSP tug under 500 GRT that could incorporate high-speed engines, electronic controls, and be fully MLC 2006-compliant for all crew accommodation.
Each tug will measure 30.25m in length with a moulded beam of 13.00m and an overall draft of 6.00m.
Driving the forward-located Voith cycloid propellers will be a pair of 2,525kW high-speed diesel engines, each developing 2525kW.
Instead of a traditional Voith Turbo coupling, the engines are connected to the Voith propulsion through a pair of Reintjes clutch and reduction gearboxes. This reduces transmission losses, increasing overall propulsion efficiency and enables the drives to be de-clutched at idle, significantly reducing fuel burn.
This machinery combination will deliver a bollard pull of up to 70 tonnes and will drive the hull at a predicted speed of not less than 12.5 knots.
The tug also incorporates the new electronic Voith Remote Control system and features significantly lower installation costs.
In compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention of 2006, all accommodation is on the main deck, with two single cabins for officers and two double cabins for crew, each with private en-suite facilities.
The VectRA 3000 design will be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping.