VESSEL REVIEW | Gökçay – First-of-class compact harbour tug

Gökçay, the first delivery from a new Robert Allan Ltd harbour tug design, was run through its paces by her builder, Sanmar Shipyards, in summer, and has since been delivered to her owner.

The new steel twin-screw harbour tug was designed for high performance at a competitive cost. It has increased beam for better stability and high visibility in all directions from the compact wheelhouse.

Conventional twin-screw propulsion with twin nozzles and four rudders provide a bollard pull of 21 tonnes and a top speed of 11.5 knots with impressive manoeuvrability.

Classed by Bureau Veritas, Gökçay features an overall length of 16.3 metres, with a moulded breadth of 7.4 metres and a navigational draught of 2.7 metres. It has a fuel oil capacity of 15m³ and can accommodate a crew of three persons.

The propulsion system consists of twin 650kW Caterpillar C18 engines, Reintjes 5.5:1 reverse/reduction gears, 120mm stainless steel shafts, and 1,450mm five-bladed propellers in #37 nozzles.

Twin high aspect ratio rudders are fitted behind each nozzle. The fuel system is a simple two-tank arrangement with wing tanks port and starboard, centrally located to have minimal effect on trim as they are drawn down.

The engines are fitted with dry exhausts with polished stainless steel tail pipes. With large aft facing windows in the wheelhouse and low profile funnels the towing equipment and most of the aft deck is visible to the operator. A machinery casing located between the funnels provides a convenient removal route for large items of machinery including an entire main engine.

A 25-tonne towhook is fitted on the aft deck for general towing duties with an electric or hydraulic towing winch available as options. Double pipe bollards are fitted in the bulwarks for mooring, two forward and two aft, and stainless steel mooring rings in the bulwarks.

Fendering is provided to suit each client’s requirements with the standard being 250mm “D” fenders at the sheer and vertical “W” fenders around the bow. A push knee with a 300- by 300mm “D” fender can be fitted on the bow if needed. For lineboat service a standard pipe rope guard is available to protect the house and the mast can be ordered as a folding type. Heavy-duty lifting lugs for a three-point hoisting tackle are standard equipment on every boat.

There is overnight accommodation in the foc’sle for a crew of three including two cabins, pantry, mess, washroom with shower.

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