VESSEL REVIEW | Svitzer Arthur – Powerful tug for Svitzer’s Brazil operations

Svitzer Brazil recently took delivery of the first unit in a series of six ASD tugs to be built by compatriot company Estaleiro Rio Maguari.

The Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) designed Svitzer Arthur has an LOA of 23.2 metres, a moulded beam of 11.4 metres, a maximum draught of 5.5 metres, a gross tonnage of 300, and accommodations for a crew of six. Two MTU 16V4000M63 diesel engines driving Kongsberg Maritime US205S 2,800mm Z-drive propellers deliver a bollard pull of 71 tonnes and a free running speed of 13 knots.

RAL said the design is optimised for maximum efficiency in ship handling operations in harbours. The tug features a raised fo’c’sle deck to allow safer operations in heavier weather. Operational requirements are met with a single drum hawser winch from Ibercisa as well as heavy duty cylindrical fendering at the bow.

The ship handling fenders at the stern consist of a row of W fender. Sheer fendering consists of “D” rubber and “W” block type fendering at the bow.

The accommodations have been outfitted to a high standard for crew comfort. The deckhouse contains an entrance lobby with a public water closet, a galley, a mess, and one officer’s cabin. The lower deck contains two double cabins and an additional officer’s cabin. All crew cabins feature en suite water closets.

The wheelhouse is designed with a single split forward control station to allow a single operator to manoeuvre the tug safely even when facing aft. The wheelhouse itself provides maximum all-round visibility with exceptional visibility to the bow and side fendering, as well as operations on the forward deck.

Svitzer Arthur is designed to ABS’ Unrestricted Navigation notation.

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.