Destined for Dampier, RiverWijs Takes Delivery of Pair of Robert Allan-Designed Tugs

RiverWijs has recently taken delivery of two sister vessels, the Robert Allan Ltd. designed – RiverWijs Emma and RiverWijs Rowan. The christening was performed by the vessel’s sponsors; Ms. Emma Lok and Mrs. Rowan Campbell. The vessels were constructed at ASL Shipyard, Singapore for operation at the LNG terminal in the Port of Dampier, Australia and represent the 49th and 50th vessels delivered to the Svitzer group of companies by ASL. They are the latest edition of this venerable design, unique in their shallow draft requirement of 5 meters, specifically for mooring in the tug pen during cyclone season.

The vessels is built in accordance with the Lloyd’s Register requirements for the following notation: LR 100 A1, TUG, LMC, UMS, IWS, Fi-Fi 1 with waterspray, Unrestricted Voyages

Particulars of these tugs are as follows:

Length overall (excluding fendering)
Breadth, moulded
Depth, moulded
Draft, navigation
GRT / NRT

-32.55 metres
-12.40 metres
– 5.40 metres
– 5.00 metres
– 494 / 148

Tank Capacities are:

Fuel oil
Potable water
Main engine lube oil
Z-drive lube oil
Hydraulic oil
Z-drive hydraulic oil (resupply)
Sludge tank
Oily water
Grey water
Sewage holding tank
Foam

-202,000 litres
– 32,000 litres
– 3,100 litres
– 1,200 litres
– 500 litres
– 1,200 litres
– 4,300 litres
– 4,300 litres
– 3,300 litres
– 4,700 litres
– 10,000 litres

Propulsion comprises a pair of resiliently mounted Niigata 8L28HX main engines, delivering 2206kW at 750 RPM. Drives are Niigata ZP-41, turning fixed pitch props with a diameter of 2.7m. Electrical power is provided by two CAT C6.6 diesel generators, each rated 100kW.

On trials, RiverWijs Emma and RiverWijs Rowan met or exceeded expectations with the following results:

Maximum bollard pull, ahead
Maximum bollard pull, astern
Maximum free running speed

– 83.8 tonnes
-78.9 tonnes
-13.5 knots

RiverWijs Rowan, Image: Robert Allan Ltd.

The main forward towing / hawser winch is a Kraaijeveld KASW-20-H-TR-22D/22D, in the SAFE- WINCH configuration. It is supplied with 200m of 72mm diameter line and line pull varies from 25t at 20m/min to 7.5t at 60m/min, with a brake holding capacity of 200t. Aft deck equipment consists of a 5t Kraaijeveld vertical capstan, towing bit and Mampaey tow hook with 100t SWL.

Bow fendering comprises a 900 mm diameter hollow cylindrical fender forward, with a lower run of 480mm x 300mm “W” block fenders. A second strake of cylindrical fender runs below the larger upper course. The stern and transom corners are also fitted with 480mm x 300mm “W” block fender and the shear strake is fitted with 350mm hollow “D” fendering.

The vessel is outfitted to the latest Australian standards, with three one-man cabins and one four-man cabin. There is a fully outfitted galley and an expansive crew lounge/mess room and ship’s office. The wheelhouse is equipped with a large split style console forward for control of the majority of vessel operations. Below decks is a large Machinery Control Room overlooking the machinery space and a fully equipped workshop. All accommodation and control spaces are fully air-conditioned.