New ATB Brings High Maneuverability to Jones Act Fleet

The Dutch company Van der Velden Marine Systems (VDVMS) in conjunction with the U.S. representative Ships Machinery International, Inc. (SMI) has announced the launching of a new Jones Act Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) with BARKE high-lift flap rudders for coastwise service in the U.S. This new design vessel brings increased maneuvering to the fleet of ATB vessels plying U.S. coastal waters.

Tank tests prove that for this type of vessel this is the most effective rudder design. This ATB will have enhanced maneuverability and excellent course keeping stability. The efficiency provided by this high technology rudder solution will result in significant savings over the life of the vessel.

This modern ATB is designed by North American naval architecture firm Guido Perla and Associates, Inc. to the following vessel characteristics: length 43 meters, breadth 14 meters and a draught of 6.75 meters. Power is via two main engines of 4,640 kW and three main generators of 250 kW each with a standby emergency generator of 150 kW. The vessel uses a pin connector system between the tug and the barge and fully complies with ABS Under 90 m Rules, Maltese Cross A1 AMS ACCU Towing Vessel, SOLAS, USCG Subchapter I.

Arthur Dewey, Vice President of SMI, said, “We are confident that their faith in Van der Velden rudders will be rewarded.” There is no other vessel like this one in the U.S. at present time. It has an exceptional maneuvering system with two independently controlled and operated hydro-dynamic Van der Velden BARKE rudders. Independent Proportional Steering will allow the rudders to be actuated either independently or synchronized.

Van der Velden has done a lot of work to facilitate the installation of these rudders into a hull and works closely with the designer and shipyard to ensure a smooth transition from initial design to final installation. Guido Perla commented, “Van der Velden provided excellent technical support and on time delivery of design documents that helped us develop the engineering and design for the installation of their steering system.”

The key driver behind the BARKE rudder is its innovative and sophisticated progressive high lift design, offering maneuvering and course keeping performance as well as smooth operational comfort. The progressively operating flap linkage system is contained in a fully enclosed, grease-lubricated BARKE housing. This results in minimum wear on the linkage components and eliminates the problems caused by contact with floating objects.

The complete tug (the future M/V Sea Power), which is under construction at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida, will be handed over to its owner Sea-Vista ATB I LLC, in the summer of 2016.

Another set of BARKE high-lift rudders will be installed on another ATB before this summer. Van der Velden is happy to make a valuable contribution to the world of ATB tugs.