Seaspan Raptor lives up to her name

By Kate Lessels, Communications Advisor, Seaspan ULC

With names like Seaspan Eagle, Osprey, Raven and Kestrel, it should come as no surprise that Seaspan Marine recently added another bird of prey to their fleet of powerful tugboats — the Seaspan Raptor. And, this compact tug seems right at home with other members of the Seaspan fleet working in the Port of Vancouver. In September 2020, Seaspan Marine announced they had taken delivery of the Seaspan Raptor — the first of two 24-metre 75t bollard pull ASD tractor tugs from Sanmar Shipyards in Yalova, Turkey. These state-ofthe-art Ramparts 2400 SX tugs are escort rated and feature Class 1 fire-fighting capability. Built in 2015, the Seaspan Raptor was initially operated by Sanmar in their own fleet. “These are the fifth and sixth tugs Seaspan has acquired from Sanmar, designed by Robert Allan Ltd.,” said Frank Butzelaar, CEO, Seaspan Marine Transportation. “They are an example of Seaspan’s continued long-term commitment to service our ship docking customers in a market where the average ship size continues to increase over time.”

With steady traffic in the Vancouver

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As deep-sea vessels continue to increase in physical size, Seaspan needed a solution that would provide a Terminal Class capabilities in a more compact package.

ship assist sector over the last several years, Seaspan Marine began looking for additional vessels to meet industry needs. Additionally, while the existing Robert Allan RAstar 2800 Terminal Class operated by Seaspan are well-liked by both tug crews and pilots, they can be too large for several of the tighter berths in Burrard Inlet that Seaspan services. As deep-sea vessels continue to increase in physical size, Seaspan needed a solution that would provide a Terminal Class capabilities in a more compact package. These extremely powerful compact and efficient vessels fit the bill.

Before departing Sanmar Shipyards, the Seaspan Raptor underwent a full Special Survey Docking and some minor modifications to her wheelhouse, mast, fuel system and black and greywater systems to meet Seaspan’s and Canadian flag requirements. On December 8, 2020, following a 12,500-nautical mile, 55-day voyage, the tug arrived home safely in Vancouver.

Awaiting her arrival was a team of Seaspan port captains, fleet maintenance and mariners ready to prepare the tug for operation. Over the next few weeks, the vessel was registered in Canada, fitted out with new towlines and equipment, and crews were trained in all aspects of operations. The Seaspan Raptor was all set for her first job on January 23, 2021 and has been living up to expectations ever since. Busy with work ranging from meeting arriving deep-sea vessels in English Bay, to assisting vessels arriving and departing Port Moody, with the numerous tight spaces in between, the Seaspan Raptor is quickly becoming well-acquainted with every square nautical mile of Vancouver Harbour.

Next up is her sister vessel, the Seaspan Harrier, built in 2016, also previously part of the Sanmar fleet. This tug is undergoing full survey and modifications and preparing for a delivery voyage from Turkey. The Seaspan Harrier is expected to begin service in the summer of 2021. Ü

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