Two new ART 80-32 class Rotortugs, the first vessels designed for KST under the recent agreement naming Robert Allan as the exclusive designer of Rotortugs, are to be built by the Damen Shipyards group for new owners Elisabeth Limited. A further two vessels are also to be built by Hong Kong shipbuilder Cheoy Lee.
"This is the first time that the Damen Group will build a design from Robert Allan, and it is fitting that such a milestone event should be for this discerning Dutch company," said Robert Allan in a statement.
"Kotug has provided significant input into the requirements for this design, and we have developed a unique, customised design optimised for their operations."
These new tugs will incorporate the patented triple Z-Drive Rotortug concept, featuring enhanced omni-directional manoeuvrability, and the benefits of a fully redundant and precise propulsion machinery configuration.
The new tugs measure 32 metres in length, with a beam of 12.6 metres and installed engine power of 3 x 1,765kW. This package delivers an expected bollard pull of 80 tonnes.
The hull form has been developed from Robert Allan's RAstar series of high performance escort tugs. The unique sponsoned shape has been adapted to suit the Rotortug concept, and provides enhanced stability, sea keeping and escort performance "far superior to any wall-sided alternative".
The ART 80-32 tugs will also feature a hybrid propulsion system designed and supplied by Aspin, Kemp and Associates. This innovative propulsion system integrates electrical and mechanical energy, and "manages it in a way to provide optimal operational modes, resulting in significant environmental and economic savings".
The first of the new Rotor®tug is scheduled for delivery in early 2014.
