In an efficient near-assembly-line process at Far East Shipyard in Sibu a series of 29-meter tugs are being built and delivered to an Indonesian owner, Pte. Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line Tbk.. The first of these boats, Cigading, was delivered in mid-January. By late March, the second boat, Paiton, was ready for delivery. A third was taking shape on the yard’s ways while the steel for the fourth vessel was being cut nearby.
The United Ship Design hulls, with their 9-meter beams 4.267-meter molded depth (29.53x14), feature the double-chined hulls common to many boats built in Sarawak. The shafts are encased in skeg-like pieces that serve both as shaft struts and protection when working in shallow water. A raised fo’c’sle and bilge keels contribute to good sea-keeping abilities. For an extended cruising range, the boats’ have 227 m3 of fuel tankage as well as 42 m3 of fresh water.
Main engines are a pair of Cummins KTA38 M2 engines each rated for 1200 hp at 1800 RPM and turning into Twin Disc MG5321 gears with 5.95:1 ratios.
On deck the Paiton is fitted with a single drum towing winch and a towing hook manufactured locally by Siong Ping Engineering.
Both the Cigading and the Paition are named for Indonesian ports.