Naming of first ocean-going tug for ALP

The first of four long-distance towing and anchor handling vessels for ALP Maritime Services, a subsidiary of Teekay Offshore Partners, has been named ‘Striker’ following its delivery to the company.

The four vessels have a fuel capacity of more than 3,500 tonnes, can tow at full power for 45 days, sufficient for non-stop towing operations across the Atlantic, Indian, or Pacific Ocean.

The vessels, each with a bollard pull of around 300 tonnes, have a service speed of 13 knots, while their top speed is 19 knots. They are 88.9 metres long and 21 metres wide.

The vessels are constructed by Niigata Shipbuilding and Repair, Japan.

The ‘Striker’s’ three sister vessels are in different phases of construction. the ‘Defender’, will be the next one to be completed, while the ‘Sweeper’ was launched on May 7, 2016. The final vessel will be named the ‘Keeper’.