Robert Allan-Designed Tugboat Delivered to Chinese Owners

The tug Yong Gang Tuo 29 has recently been delivered to her new owners, the Ningbo Port Group of China. This is the 7th Robert Allan Ltd. design in Ningbo’s fleet and the first of the RAmparts 3300 class worldwide. The design is an evolution of the RAmparts 3200 class vessels already in Ningbo’s fleet, and is a result of a recognized need to increase power and bollard pull to meet the expanding requirements of the larger ships visiting the port. Hence this new RAmparts 3300 design is 1 metre longer in order to accommodate the upgraded propulsion system.

The vessel was built by Zhenjiang Shipyard Co. Ltd. of China, specifically for the ship-handling operations in the Ningbo Port area and is classed by the China Classification Society.

Particulars of Yong Gang Tuo 29 are as follows:

Length Overall Beam, Moulded Depth, Moulded Maximum Draft (overall)

– 33.00 metres – 11.60 metres – 5.36 metres – 5.40 metres

On trials the vessel performed exceptionally well, achieving a sustained mean Bollard Pull of 76 metric tonnes ahead, with a free-running speed of 13.5 knots.

Tank capacities in this version of the RAmparts 3300 design are as follows:

Fuel Oil Potable Water Engine Lube Oil Oily Water Waste Oil

– 93 m³ – 43 m³ – 10 m³ – 2 m³ – 3 m³

Configured as a twin Z-Drive ship-docking tug, main propulsion is by a pair of Niigata 8L28HX diesel engines, each rated 2,206 kW at 750 rpm, and each driving a Niigata ZP-41 drive unit.

The Yong Gang Tuo 29 is equipped with a Karmoy M060481 Hawser winch on the foredeck, driven by an independent electro-hydraulic power pack located in the engine room. The aft deck features a fixed towing staple and a quick-release, pivoting tow hook.

Electrical power is provided by two identical diesel gen-sets, each rated at 100 kWe.

Ship handling fenders comprise an 800 mm cylindrical fender above a row of 450 mm “W” block fenders. A 400mm cylindrical fender provides protection at the main & foc’sle deck sheer lines, in conjunction with aircraft tires. A 450 mm “W” block fender protects the aft quarters. The accommodation has been outfitted to the highest standards for a normal operational crew of 4, with berthing for up to 14. The main deck features cabins for the master and chief engineer, along with a spacious galley and mess areas. The lower deck features 2 cabins of 6 crew and a dedicated HVAC room.

This new RAmparts 3300 class tug is the latest member of the RAmparts family – a series of standardized Z-drive tug designs, each developed from a successful prototype. The vessels are identified by length; e.g. the RAmparts 3000 is 30 metres in length. Each design is individually configurable for a variety of tasks, including; ship-docking, escort, harbour towing, coastal towing, fire-fighting and pollution response. A range of main engine powers and propulsors can be accommodated to meet the specific requirements for each application.