Advanced ASD tugs have unclutched tow drums

Washington is the second of two ASD tugs for Hyak Maritime featuring JonRie winch systems

FEBRUARY 10, 2014 — Designed for open ocean towing, the winch systems of two ASD tugs built for Dover, DE, headquartered Hyak Maritime LLC are independent and redundant.

The 120 ft x 35 ft x 19 ft tugs Hawaii and Washington, designed by Jensen Maritime, have been built by JT Marine Shipyard of Vancouver, WA, and feature winch systems by JonRie InterTech, Manahawkin, NJ.

The JonRie Series 500 Double Drum Towing winch on the stern has the towing drums independent of each other (unclutched) so if anything happens to one drum the other has its own motor and any job out in the ocean can be completed.

Both drums are powered by one of two pumps so if any pump has a problem the system is backed up as it’s redundant. When both pumps are clutched in they will produce 400 HP of power to the winch producing extreme speed and line pull.

Another feature installed on the winch system is the controlled free wheel system allowing the operator to pay out line as fast as is required from the pilot house and feather back when complete.

The Gypsy (capstan) is also independent (unclutched) and is driven off its own motor and is powered off its own system and can be used when the winches are also in use. Even the JonRie Series 200 Hawser winch on the bow is powered off its own system.

From the pilot house all the winches and winch functions can be operated without the need to be on deck. The level wind on the towing winch is also an independent drive (unclutched) so there is never a need to be on deck to adjust. The level wind can be run in auto to time the line on the drum with the winches joystick or run in manual and has the ability to move back, forward and stopped as spooled against the flange.