Fortescue takes delivery of Schottel equipped Rotortug sextet

Written by Nick Blenkey
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The advanced ART 85-32W Rotortugs built by by Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam for Fortescue Metals are are driven by Schottel propulsion systems Photo Credit: Damen

The Damen Song Cam shipyard has delivered six Robert Allan-designed ART 85-32W Rotortugs to Perth, Australia, based Fortescue Metals Group (Fortescue).

The advanced tugboats – FMG Dusky, FMG Tawny, FMG Spinner, “FMG Hammerhead, FMG Blacktip and FMG Mako – are each equipped with three Schottel type SRP 430 FP Rudderpropellers with an input power of 1,765 kW per thruster.

According to Fortescue, Schottel’s experience in Rotortug propulsion as well as its strong presence in Western Australia and Port Hedland for more than 10 years were of particular influence in opting for these azimuth thrusters.

The advanced Rotortugs are particularly notable for their ability to control their own position during the most difficult maneuvers. The third thruster secures enhanced safety for the operator with the unique option to work over bow or stern with the same ease along with the possibility to always work bow first.

New towage license in Port Hedland

The tugs will enable Fortescue to offer an exceptional escort and berthing service at Herb Elliott Port in Port Hedland, Western Australia, the largest iron ore export port in the world.

Each of the new Fortescue tugs is equipped with three Schottel Rudderpropellers type SRP 430 FP with an input power of 1,765 kW per thruster

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