GONDAN Launches New Hybrid Icebreaker Tug

GONDAN Shipyard in Figueras, at high tide, has launched a new hybrid-powered icebreaking escort tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd for Port of Luleå (Sweden).

This is an important step for GONDAN Shipbuilders in unique compact icebreaker development. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., the new vessel is a TundRA 3600-H class icebreaker tug which reflects the generations of experience in the design of ice-class vessels by Robert Allan Ltd.

The new tug is a RAL TundRA 3600-H class icebreaking design fully customized for the Port of Luleå operational requirements. The vessel is designed to perform icebreaking – it is capable of breaking 1 metre of ice at a speed of up to 3 knots- ice management, escort, ship-assist, coastal towing, fire-fighting and navigation aids service duties.

Special consideration was made for operation in the extreme climate conditions and ice-infested waters of the northern Gulf of Bothnia. Design customization of the tug was accomplished in close and very productive cooperation with Port of Luleå management, technical specialists and operators.

The purpose of the H after the traditional Robert Allan Ltd. design name is to recognize that the vessel is equipped with an innovative hybrid propulsion system featuring diesel main engines, shaft motor/generators, and electrical battery energy storage. This configuration allows effective power and fuel consumption management.

The tug will be capable of operating on the electrical battery power only or by utilizing a single main engine in the hybrid diesel-electrical mode with a bollard pull up to 55 tonnes, or on two main engines in diesel-mechanical mode with available battery boost.

The resulting operational flexibility will yield significant fuel, emissions and maintenance savings. At the same time, the tug will be the most powerful icebreaking escort tug of this size in the world with hybrid/electrical propulsion.