By Mark Edward Nero
Vancouver, British Columbia-based naval architect and marine engineering company Robert Allan Ltd. has signed a contract with Uzmar Shipyard of Turkey for a new high performance escort tug project.
The two companies signed the documents at the recent International Workboat Show, held Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 in New Orleans.
“I am delighted to witness the signing of this design contract with Uzmar that will spur the building of new market leading tugs allowing owners to quickly respond to today’s demanding tender requirements,” Jim Hyslop, Robert Allan Ltd.’s Manager, Project Development, said.
Uzmar has built more than 90 Robert Allan Ltd. designed tugs and workboats since the first project in 1996, ranging in size from 15-meter aluminum catamarans, to 36-meter escort tugs, to 46-meter shallow draft pushboats.
This contract covers a new RAstar 3000-W design setup to accommodate propulsion packages of up to 90 tons of bollard pull while still staying under 500 GT.
These modern escort tugs will have the following key features: an overall length of 30 meters; a moulded beam of 13.20 meters; and an overall maximum draft of 5.70 meters.
The vessels are expected to begin construction in Turkey in early 2017 and be available for delivery to international clients in 2018.