Consortium to build low-emission tugs for UK market

UK shipbuilder Harland and Wolff has formed a partnership with naval architecture firm Macduff Ship Design and technology companies Kongsberg Maritime and Echandia with the aim of constructing new low-emission harbour and coastal tugs for the UK Marine Coastal Highway.

Harland and Wolff said the tugs will be used in conjunction with large barges to service the Marine Coastal Highway as alternatives to road transport.

Two tugs are planned in the initial order. Each vessel will have a length of 25.5 metres, a beam of 12 metres, a draught of 4.85 metres, and a bollard pull of 50 tonnes.

The tugs will also be fitted with azimuth stern drives and a series of modular battery banks.

Harland and Wolff will act as project lead and builders while Macduff will provide design work, Kongsberg will supply propulsion and vessel control systems, and Echandia will install the batteries and electrical control systems.

Click here for more news and gear stories, feature articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s focus on the tug and salvage sector.