Innovative Z-Tech tug incorporates RAstar hullform

Written by Nick Blenkey
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Mark E. Kuebler

Designer Robert Allan Ltd has released some more technical details on the Mark E. Kuebler, the first in a series of ten innovative Z-Tech 30-80 tugs recently delivered by Gulf Island Shipyards to to Bay Houston Towing Company..

The Z-Tech 30-80 design evolved from the previous Z-Tech 7500 design for the same owner and a main feature of this latest Z-Tech is the incorporation of Robert Allan Ltd.’s unique RAstar series sponsoned hull form into the existing Z-Tech design. Computer simulations conducted by Robert Allan Ltd.’s in house CFD team demonstrate escort performance of the new tug will be significantly increased by generating more than 100 mt steering force at 10 knots which is particularly important for escorting large vessels.

Particulars of Mark E. Kuebler are:

Length Overall: 98′-6″
Beam, molded: 42′-8″
Depth, molded: 16′-5″
Gross Tonnage: ITC: 411 US Regulatory: 297

The tugs in the series are designed and constructed to comply with all applicable Rules and Regulations of:

ABS ✠A1 Towing Service, ✠ AMS, Escort Service, Fire Fighting Vessel Class 1 and all applicable U.S. Coast Guard regulations

Sea trial results showed Mark E. Kuebler met all requirements to the design with a bollard pull, ahead of 81.5 MT and a free running speed, ahead: 13 knots

Customized general layout of the tug represents more than a decade of cooperation by Robert Allan Ltd. naval architects and the owners. The Master and Chief Engineer’s cabin along with galley and mess are located on the main deck while two cabins for four crew members are located on the lower deck.

Main propulsion for the tug comprises a pair of Caterpillar 3516E, EPA Tier 4 certified diesel engines, each rated 3,386 bHP at 1,800 rpm, and driving a Schottel SRP 510FP Z-drive unit with Ø2800 propeller. The tug is fitted with a Fire Fighting 1 system with two FFS 6200 gpm pumps driven by two Caterpillar C18 engines respectively.

The electrical plant consists of two identical John Deere 6068AFM85 diesel gensets, each with a power output of 125 ekW 480V, 3-Ph, 60 Hz.

Ship-handling fenders at the bow consist of one tier of 36″ OD x 18″ ID cylindrical fender at the main deck level with 16″ thick double loop soft fenders between the main deck and the knuckle at bow and along the sheer lines of main deck. 16″ OD x 8″ ID cylindrical fendering is used at the stern.

General Arrangement Z-Tech 30-80
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