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dux lng-powered tugboat

Spanish Shipbuilder Delivers First European-Built LNG-Powered Tug

GCaptain
Total Views: 77
May 26, 2017

Photo credit: GONDAN

Spanish shipbuilder GONDAN has delivered what is said to be the first LNG-powered dual fuel tug ever built in Europe.

The tug, named DUX, was delivered Wednesday to its new owner, the Norwegian shipping company Østensjø Rederi A/S.

DUX is the first tugboat of a series of three designed by the Canadian company Robert Allan Ltd. The escort tug, with 40.2 meters length and 16 meters beam, will provide tug services to Norwegian state-owned energy company Statoil, at the far-north terminal located at Melkøya.

Built to withstand severe weather and harsh environments, the vessel is shaped specifically to grant full operational availability at temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius and combines environmental sustainability through the use of LNG in most of its operations – therefore complying with IMO Tier III emissions standards – but with the added flexibility of diesel power to ensure a high level of operational security.

DUX is advertised with a free running speed of 15 knots and is capable of direct and indirect towing performance, with exceptionally high direct pull and escort forces: 107 ton bollard pull and 167 ton steering force, both class approved by Bureau Veritas. The tug is outfitted to accommodate a crew of 8 people, with extraordinary behavior regarding noise and vibration isolation. GONDAN says, as an example, DUX has achieved noise levels as low as 45 dB in the crew’s cabins.

DUX is expected to conduct approximately 300 LNG ship escorts per year, and will assist with berthing operations and will be maintained in readiness for emergency services such as long line towing, fire-fighting, and oil spill response.

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