Alfons Håkans takes delivery of second icebreaking tug in series

Finnish operator Alfons Håkans has taken delivery of the second in a series of two icebreaking and escort tugs ordered from Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards.

Like sister vessel Selene, the BV-classed, 31.5- by 12-metre Helios will be operated in the northern Baltic Sea.

The Robert Allan Ltd-designed tug is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C main engines each driving a Kongsberg US 255 controllable-pitch Z-drive to deliver a bollard pull in excess of 65 tonnes. The vessel’s electrical needs are provided by two Caterpillar C7.1 118kW generator sets.

Duties will include escort, ship assist, icebreaking and ice management, open sea towing, firefighting, cargo transfer, assistance in salvage, and oil spill recovery.

Sanmar said the hull is designed for icebreaking with strength that is significantly above 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.

See more stories from this month’s Tug and Salvage Week here.