Alfons Håkans’ newest icebreaking tug to operate in Baltic Sea

By Baird Maritime - May 17, 2021.

TUG AND SALVAGE WEEK

Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards has delivered a new icebreaking and escort tug to Finnish operator Alfons Håkans.

Sanmar said the Robert Allan Ltd-designed Selene is the first in a series of two tugs specifically designed to operate all-year round in the harsh conditions of the northern Baltic Sea.

The tug has an LOA of 31.5 metres, a moulded beam of 12 metres, and a navigational draught of 5.6 metres. It is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C main engines each driving a Kongsberg US 255 CP Z-drive, delivering a bollard pull in excess of 65 tonnes and a speed of 13 knots.

The vessel’s electrical needs are provided by two Caterpillar C7.1 generator sets, each producing 118 kW.

The tug is capable of performing multiple, diverse tasks including escort, ship assist, icebreaking and ice management, open sea towing, limited cargo transfer, assistance in salvage, and oil spill recovery.

Sanmar added that the hull is designed for icebreaking with strength that is significantly above the requirements of the prescribed ice class 1A to ensure safety during icebreaking operations and eliminate the possibility of structural damage and shell plate deformation. For ship assist in berthing and unberthing, the tug is fitted with all necessary equipment and fendering for two directional, bow and astern pushing and pulling.

Sanmar was selected for the construction of Selene and its yet unnamed sister after it emerged as the winner of a competitive international tender process.