Construction of the first Carrousel-RAVE tug has begun at Theodor Buschmann Shipyard in Hamburg.
This novel design features the Robert Allan Ltd. and Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG developed RAVE propulsion with drives arranged inline along the centreline of the hull, and the Novatug patented Carrousel Towing System installed on the main deck.
This unique combination of propulsion and towing arrangements results in inherently safer towing and escort operations, with enhanced maneuvrability for operations in confined waterways and other generally tight spaces. This small compact tugboat under 500 GT is designed to produce and handle escort steering forces approximately 50% greater than existing tugs of similar size. The main particulars and expected performance of the Carrousel-RAVE are:
- Length overall - 31.9 m
- Beam - 13.2 m
- Depth - 5.4 m
- Crew - 6 (max)
- Navigational Draft - 6.2 m
- Bollard Pull - 70 t
- Escort Steering Force - 150 t
- Escort Braking Force - 190 t
- Speed - 14 knots
The first hull block was lifted and turned in mid-August as production ramps up at the German shipyard. Once completed this first tug will begin working as part of Multraship’s fleet. Expect more news on this exciting new design in the coming weeks and months.