VESSEL REVIEW | Tenjin Maru – Ship assist and crane vessel handling tug for Japanese operator
Japanese towage operator Kambara Tug and Marine Services has taken delivery of a new 5,000hp (3,700kW) tug.
Tenjin Maru (天神丸) was handed over by Tsuneishi Miho Shipbuilding at its Niigata factory on October 22.
The steel-hulled vessel will tow floating crane vessels, assist large ships during berthing and unberthing, and undertake mooring work.
The newbuild has an LOA of 37.4 metres (123 feet) excluding the fenders, a moulded beam of 10.5 metres (34.4 feet), a moulded depth of 4.5 metres (15 feet), and a gross tonnage of 288.
Highly manoeuvrable platform for busy port waters
The tug was developed by three companies under the Tsuneishi Group. Kambara set out requirements based on its operating experience. Tsuneishi Engineering, which had previously designed tugs for the same operator, prepared the basic and detailed design through repeated consultations with the owner. Tsuneishi Miho contributed construction site knowledge to the detailed design and built the vessel.
Propulsion comes from two 2,500hp (1,900kW) diesel engines driving two azimuthing thrusters fitted with Kort nozzles. These allow the tug to move ahead, astern and sideways and to turn on the spot in confined harbour waters.
During sea trials, the tug recorded a bollard pull of 65.8 tonnes and a maximum speed of 14.13 knots. The builder said the bollard pull is sufficient for the floating crane towing work for which the vessel was acquired.
Deck laid out for greater safety and efficiency
The towing winch is installed in a dedicated winch room enclosed by steel walls and a roof. This allows the crew to operate and maintain the winch under cover in rough weather.
The deck equipment has been arranged to suit towing operations, and the hull has been treated at the points where towing ropes rub against it.
The accommodation has single-size beds, with room and furniture layouts planned for crew comfort.