UPDATE
BIZ NOTES
The first of these tugs will be built to comply with IMO Tier III emissions regulations.
Svitzer to Build Next-Gen Mulipurpose Tug MAERSK GROUP TOWAGE OPER ATOR SVITZER has reached an agreement
with naval architect firm Robert Allan Ltd. and Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards to build a next-generation TRAnsverse Tug. The first of these multipurpose tugs will be a 25.8-meter, 60-tonne bollard pull vessel built to comply with IMO Tier III emissions regulations. The tug is designed with thrusters in line and an omni directional hull form. To make full use of its advanced capabilities the tug is equipped with a render recovery double drum escort winch and a set of 100 T SWL tow pins. In addition to its innovative design emphasis have been put on ease of operation for the onboard crew implementing technologies, such as the Svitzer Catcher to allow for line handling from the bridge. According to Svitzer, the TRAnsverse Tug is able to generate higher steering forces than most designs of similar dimensions and comes with an innovative stable design and an ability to push, pull and maneuver in all directions – all neatly wrapped in a smaller and nimbler tug boat. With omni direction hull form and propulsion, steering forces 12 Marine Log // December 2021
over the full range of speeds and maneuvers, and a unique towing arrangement, the compact and fuel-efficient TRAnsverse Tug design is scalable and suitable for all types of harbor and terminal towage operations. Looking ahead, the TRAnsverse Tug will provide the base design for the recently announced carbon neutral methanol fuel cell tug that Svitzer and Maersk are developing together with Robert Allan Ltd.
Game Changer “This tug is a game changer,” said Svitzer COO Ingrid Uppelschoten Snelderwaard. “Our customers expect us to deliver flexible and environmentally friendly towage services at a competitive price and it is our passion to think out of the box and deliver innovative solutions to meet these expectations.” Together with a core Svitzer team, Thomas Bangslund, Svitzer’s head of technical innovation, has led the invention of the new tug design that after a series of successful tank tests and simulations is now ready to be built by Sanmar with Robert Allan as the designer. The first Svitzer TRAnsverse tug will be built for Svitzer Europe harbor towage duties with expected delivery in third quarter 2023.
In a move that is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to Jacksonville, Fla., Fincantieri Marine Systems Nor th America is to expand its ship repair operations on the U.S. East Coast. Aimed at both commercial and government vessels, the focus of the ef for t will be Commodores Point, Jacksonville, where the company will bring in a large dry dock. “We are investing millions of dollars in water front improve ments, including bringing in a large dry dock, which will allow us to be a top-tier marine repair o p er atio n,” s aid R y a n S mit h, Fincantieri Marine System’s president and CEO. “The dry dock will be U.S. Navy-certified, which will enable us to repair and maintain Navy vessels in addition to our work on commercial and Coast Guard vessels.” In August, Fincantieri received approval from the Navy to participate in repair and maintenance delivery orders on the Freedomclass lit toral combat ships curre ntly ho me p or te d in near by M ay p o r t , Fl a. I n O c t o b e r, i t received approval to compete for work on the remaining Mayport surface fleet. With the company ’s ex pansion in nor theast Florida, Smith plans to employ more than 300 men and women over the next three years. These jobs include positions in pipefitting, shipfitting, welding, electrical, outfitting, preservation, and mechanical specializations. St ar ting in ear ly 2022, t he company will be open to pro vide ser vices to small to medium-sized commercial vessels at the Commodores Point facility. Although the large dry dock will not be operational until 2023, Fincantieri will be available for topside work on larger vessels pier side.
Photo Credits: Svitzer
FINCANTIERI EXPANDS U.S. EAST COAST SHIP REPAIR OPS
