MetalCraft Marine was recently awarded a contract by the United States Navy for the construction of eight of their 7.9-metre towboats. The towboats will support the US Navy's spill recovery, support and salvage operations worldwide.
Fully loaded, the aluminium towboat can reach speeds of 34 knots with its single Iveco NEF 335kW engine rated at 309kW driving a single UltraJet 305HT high thrust waterjet via a ZF 280 gearbox.
UltraJet waterjets were chosen for their high bollard pull for vessel recovery. During sea trials, bollard pull tests achieved 1.7 tonnes.
The hull structure is built to ABS and IACS standards and features a compact forward wheelhouse with enough room aft for bulky cargo and equipment. Handrails are removable for line handling, and the transom is equipped with a folding dive platform. The stern of the vessel is equipped with Norman pins to help guide towlines. When the vessel is in storage, the Norman pins double as kickstands, allowing the vessel to rest on its bottom plate with no additional support.
The helm station is outfitted with Furuno Navnet electronics package, with a pair of Bostrom helm seats for the two crew.
Other equipment on board includes a hydraulic power system to run a 6,800 kilogram capstan, as well as external oil skimmer pumps.
The vessel is also transportable by air in a C130 or C17.
