Construction begins on new diesel-electric pushboats for Hidrodivias do Brasil

Brazilian shipyard Belov Engenharia has begun construction on a new fleet of diesel-electric pushboats for logistics operator Hidrovias do Brasil.

The Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) designed vessels will be used to provide terminal assistance on the Amazon River system. Delivery of the first vessel will be in 2022.

The vessels will each be fitted with a DC grid diesel-battery electric propulsion system, two diesel generators, two L-Drives and a large battery bank (600 kWh initial installation, with capability to scale up to 1,800 kWh). There will also be two L-drive units, each with an input power of 350 kW.

RAL said the propulsion system will be diesel-electric to improve efficiency when operating in lower power modes.

The pushboats will be certified by DNV as inland navigating vessels. Each will have an LOA of 20.4 metres, a moulded beam of 10 metres, a moulded depth of 3.2 metres, a minimum operating draught of 2.2 metres, and a normal operating draught of 2.5 metres.