Innovative RAPIDE 3000-Z2 pushboat is designed for Amazon Basin operations
Written by Nick Blenkey
The RApide 3000-Z2 pushboats are designed for shallow-draft operation, enabling safe and efficient navigation throughout the Amazon River basin.[Image: Robert Allan Ltd.
Canadian naval architect firm Robert Allan Ltd. has completed the design of the RApide 3000-Z2 pushboat, an innovative and challenging vessel tailored to the unique conditions of Brazil’s Madeira River system. The new pushboat has been designed for long-time client Hermasa Navegação Da Amazônia S/A, a unit of commodities giant AMAGGI.
Construction of two of these next-generation vessels is now under way at the Beconal shipyard, located in Manaus, Brazil.
The propulsion system of the RApide 3000-Z2 pushboat comprises a pair of Kongsberg US155 P14 Z-drive units, each powered by Wärtsilä 6L20 medium-speed marine diesel engines rated at 1,150 kW. To align with Hermasa’s sustainability objectives, the engines are capable of operation with either B100 biodiesel or marine diesel oil. The Z-drives are fully withdrawable afloat and feature 1,800 mm fixed pitch propellers for optimal maneuverability and efficiency in shallow water. Electrical power is supplied by two MWM diesel generator sets, ensuring redundancy and reliable operation for all onboard systems.
A key differentiator of these vessels is their ability to operate on B100 biodiesel as well as conventional marine diesel oil, reinforcing Hermasa’s commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
The RApide 3000-Z2 pushboats are designed for shallow-draft operation, enabling safe and efficient navigation throughout the Amazon River basin. When completed, each vessel will be capable of pushing up to 20 barges with a combined cargo capacity of 32,000 tonnes.
- Length overall: 30 meters
- Breadth, molded: 12 meters
- Depth, molded: 3.2 meters
- Draft, navigational: 2.3 meters
The vessels are designed to Brazilian flag rules (NORMAM-202) and will be certified as inland navigating vessels by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) under the class notation: ✠ A1 River Service, Towing Vessel, ✠ AMS
The vessels’ accommodations are outfitted for a crew of up to 10 personnel.
Categories: Naval Architecture, News
