Canadian vessel operator Ocean Groupe has recently commissioned the 6,000kW ASD tug 'Ocean Tundra' into service.
Claimed to be the most powerful tug in the Canadian registry, the 'Ocean Tundra' is classed as an icebreaking escort tug and will year-round escort and towing services to Canada's east coast and the St Lawrence River and Seaway system.
Part of the Robert Allan Ltd-designed TundRA 100-series, the vessel was constructed at Ocean Groupe's Ocean Industries shipyard in Quebec. A very heavy tug for its type, Ocean described the launching of the vessel as a major challenge for the shipyard due to the comparatively high weight and draught. To ensure a smooth launch, the tug was fitted with additional flotation provided by inflatable bags surrounding the hull.
The 36-metre x 13-metre x 6.8-metre tug has been designed to provide a wide range of services, including tanker escort, terminal support, general ship-docking operations and icebreaking/ice-management services. Classed by LR, the vessel is also equipped for coastal and rescue towing and is equipped with fire-fighting capabilities. In addition, the vessel is equipped to transfer lube oil cargo to transiting ships.
Following sea trials in early January, the vessel notched up a very impressive bollard pull of 110 tonnes, a 15.1-knot free running speed in calm water and a 3,700nm range at 12 knots.