The Canadian-designed and Turkish-built ASD tug 'Pilbara Apollo' was delivered to new owners Rio Tinto Australia earlier this year.
The vessel was constructed at Uzmar Shipbuilding Industry in Turkey and will operate at Rio Tinto's iron ore export facilities at Cape Lambert (Port Walcott) and Dampier, Western Australia.
Designed by fame tug designer Robert Allan of Canada, the 'Pilbara Apollo' is the first of six new RAstar 3200 tugs to be delivered to Rio Tinto. These tugs will assist very large ore carriers in berthing and un-berthing at exposed, open water berths in severe wind and wave conditions.
The vessel measures 32 metres in length overall (excluding fenders), with a beam of 12.8 metres and a navigational draught of 6.03 metres. Main propulsion comprises a pair of CAT 3516C HD diesel engines, each rated 2,350kW and driving a Rolls Royce US255 Controllable Pitch Z-drive unit.
On trials, the 'Pilbara Apollo' achieved an ahead bollard pull of 80.9 tonnes, an astern bollard pull of 77 tonnes, and a free running speed of 14 knots (ahead).
Classed by Bureau Veritas during construction, the vessel will be converted to Lloyd's Register once in Australia.