First in a new series of Navy tugs launched
Written by Nick Blenkey
IMAGE: Robert Allan Ltd.
The first of a series of six new Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL) Z-Tech 4500 design tugs for the U.S. Navy (YT 808) was successfully launched by the Dakota Creek Industries shipyard in Anacortes, Wash., in late May (see earlier story).
The Navy has been operating six Valiant (YT 802) class tugs, the first of which was delivered in 2010, and all six have been in continuous operation ever since. According to Robert Allan, the six new vessels (YT 808) have modifications based on feedback from their skippers and new Navy requirements, as well as incorporating EPA Tier 4 emissions certified main engines.
Particulars are as follows:
- Length overall: 27.42 m (90 ft – 0 in)
- Breadth, molded: 11.65 m (38 ft – 3 in)
- Depth, (hull): 5.00 m (16 ft – 5 in)
- Draft, Navigational: 4.88 m (16 ft – 0 in)
- Bollard Pull: 40 tonnes
The new tugs are powered by twin Caterpillar 3512E 1,810 HP main engines driving Schottel SRP 340 fixed pitch Z-drive thrusters. The fendering system at the bow consists of two rows of cylindrical fender and a lower course of “W” fenders. An extensive amount of underwater fendering is used for operation with submarines, and new diagonal “D” side fendering was added to help safely push low freeboard barges.
The tugs are also equipped with a 2,000 GPM fire pump and two monitors.
The class notation is: ABS ✠ A1 Towing Vessel, Unrestricted Navigational Service, ✠ AMS
