Transport this tiny tug anywhere

The ContainerTug can be transported by ship, train or truck because it is the same dimensions as a standard 20-foot container

APRIL 15, 2014 — In collaboration with Dutch shipyard Ooninex Shipbuilding BV, naval architectural firm BEN3D BV, Duizendschoon, the Netherlands, has introduced a compact workboat that can be transported in a standard 20-foot container.

Called the ContainerTug 600S, the tug has an overall length of 6.06 meters, beam of 2.44 meters and draft of 1 meter. Outfitted with a Volvo Penta D5A TA engine that produces 121 hp at 1,900 rev/min, the tug has 1.2 tons bollard pull, with a relatively large deck area and good maneuverability, says BEN3D. The gearbox is a ZF 45-1 ratio 3.031:1, with a 28 inch fixed-pitch propeller, providing a service speed of 6 knots.

Plans call to begin the construction of a prototype next month.

“Transportability is becoming increasingly important in a market where companies are forced to be flexible,” says BEN3D Director Ben de Vries. “Despite the tight constraints of the (ISO) container sizes, we succeeded in developing a versatile workboat.”

The dimensions of this all-round workboat are identical to that of a standard 20-foot container. The ContainerTug features integrated container fittings at all corners and is therefore stackable. The lightweight top of the wheelhouse, fabricated from aluminum, can easily be removed, which keeps its depth within container proportions and reduces the vessels air draft significantly. The hull is solidly constructed out of Grade A steel and can, if desired, be delivered with a class certificate. Removable fenders are also optional.

During towing operations the container fittings on the aft deck can be removed easily, so that the angle of the tow line will not be unduly restricted. The bow shape is ideal for pushing. The tug can be supplied with removable twist-lock bollards which can be fixed easily to the front container fittings.

The ContainerTug 600S can also be delivered as a building kit, meaning that it can be assembled locally.