Tug and Salvage Vessel News Roundup | February 3 – An LNG-powered newbuild, US Navy salvage ship construction and more

A Singapore operator welcomes a new hybrid LNG-fuelled tug to its fleet as an all-electric tug begins sea trials in Turkey. Construction has begun on a new rescue and salvage ship for the US Navy. Finally, a Turkish port company taps a local shipyard for a new harbour support asset.

Singapore’s newest LNG hybrid tug formally named

Photo: Sembcorp Marine

Sembcorp Marine has formally named the first in a new series of LNG hybrid tugs specially designed for domestic service in Singapore.

JMS Sunshine will be operated by Jurong Marine Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine. Its area of operations will be within the jurisdiction of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

The tug was designed by Norway’s LMG Marin and classed by ABS.

JMS Sunshine runs on pure LNG with a sizable energy storage  system based on a lithium-ion battery.

This system allows emission-free operation of the tug during idling and low-speed transit. It is also capable of taking over the energy needs if a spike in power is warranted, and comes equipped with a reserve capacity to ensure the safe return of the tug in the event of engine failure.

All-electric tug undergoes sea trials in Turkey

Istanbul-based Navtek Naval Technologies has begun conducting sea trials of a new all-electric tug.

The 18-metre Gisas Power II is powered by a battery pack that drives two motors to deliver a speed of 10 knots and a bollard pull of approximately 30 tonnes.

Charging of the batteries is via shore connection. For redundancy, the tug features two separate battery compartments.

First steel cut for future US Navy salvage and rescue vessel

Photo: Austal USA

Austal USA has cut the first steel to be used for the construction of a future Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ship (T-ATS) ordered by the US Navy.

The yet unnamed vessel will be the seventh in the Navajo-class, which is also being built by two other US shipyards.

Austal is also building the sixth ship in the class. The contract (https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/maritime-security-world/naval/naval-auxiliary-support-vessels/us-navy-awards-contract-for-two-more-navajo-class-salvage-ships/) for the two T-ATS awarded to Austal has a total value of approximately US$145 million.

The Navajo-class vessels will have ocean-going tug, salvage, and rescue capabilities. Other missions will include oil spill response, humanitarian assistance, and wide area search and surveillance.

Turkey’s Trabzon Port places order for locally built tug

Photo: Med Marine

The Trabzon Port Authority in Turkey has awarded local shipbuilder Med Marine a contract for the construction of a new tug.

The vessel will have a length of 23.96 metres, a beam of 12.25 metres, a draught of 4.65 metres, a bollard pull of 60 tonnes, and accommodations for seven crewmembers.

Delivery is scheduled for January 2024.


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