TRAktor 2500-SX Design tug Commences Operations for Svitzer
The third tug built by Sanmar Shipyards to Robert Allan Ltd.’s new TRAktor 2500-SX design commenced operations on November 1st in London for Svitzer. The tug, named the Svitzer Meridian, is the second TRAktor 2500-SX in Svitzer’s fleet and is the third of this new class of tugs to be delivered by Sanmar to international clients in just over 4 months.
Above the waterline, this class of tugs feature a raised half foc’sle to provide an enhanced standard of sea-keeping when working in exposed waters. Below the waterline, the hull form and appendage configuration were selected after extensive physical model testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations in order to achieve an optimal balance between controllability, manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, and roll dampening. On the stern of the hull, the simple but extremely effective StRAke stabilizers are fitted. These stabilizers were developed by Voith and Robert Allan Ltd. to improve tractor tug directional stability allowing for a reduced size skeg and thereby improving manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency. The comprehensive research and development that went in to the design has been paying dividends as all reports received so far regarding the handling and manoeuvrability of the TRAktor 2500-SX design have been extremely positive.
Particulars of the Svitzer Meridian are:
- Length Overall: 25.3 m
- Length (Loadline): < 24 m
- Beam, moulded, extreme: 12.0 m
- Depth, moulded (hull): 4.55 m
- Maximum draft: 5.74 m
- Gross Tonnage: 339
Tank capacities are as follows:
- Fuel Oil: 84 m3
- Potable Water: 12 m3
- Fi-Fi Foam: 4.8 m3
- Sewage Tank: 6.8 m3
The tug was constructed to ABS Class requirements with the following notation:
✠ A1, Towing Vessel, Fire Fighting Vessel Class 1, ✠ AMS, ✠ ABCU, IHM, BP (71.5MT), UWILD, QR, Unrestricted Service
Main propulsion comprises a pair of CAT 3516C diesel engines, each rated 2100 bkW at 1600 rpm, and driving Rolls-Royce US 255 FP Z-drive units with 2.6 m diameter fixed pitch propellers. Auxiliary power consists of two (2) identical CAT C4.4 diesel gen-sets, each with a power output of 99 ekW at 1500 rpm.
On the aft working deck is a DMT type TW-021-E250kN, electric, double drum towing winch with a first layer performance of 250 kN @ 9m/min (low speed), 80 kN @ 28 m/min (high speed), and a brake holding load of 190 tonnes.
Ship-handling fenders consist of an 800 mm OD x 400 mm ID cylindrical fender that extends well towards midships. Below the cylindrical fender is a row of 300 mm W-fender. The sheer strakes are protected by 300 mm hollow “D” fenders and on the bow is a course of 300 mm W-fender.
The well-appointed accommodations can accommodate a crew up to six persons in two MLC compliant single cabins on the main deck and two MLC compliant double cabins on the lower deck. A spacious mess / lounge, galley, and wet room are located on the main deck. The wheelhouse features excellent all-round visibility from a single operating station.
On trials the Svitzer Meridian achieved over 12.5 knots ahead and 12 knots astern with a bollard pull of 71.5 tonnes.
