The Bangladeshi Ministry of Shipping oversees the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) which is responsible for managing the country’s extensive network of inland rivers, canals and ports.
The Authority also mandates and manages pilotage for those waters and vessels requiring a pilot. To undertake a wide range of responsibilities the Authority has a fleet of vessels to which they have recently added a powerful new tug.
Built in Pusan, Korea by the Dong Hae Shipbuilding yard to a design by Komac Design Tech Co,. Ltd., the tug is 36.6 meters long by 9.6 meters wide with a 4.2-meter depth. It is powered by a pair of Cummins 16-cylinder KTA50M2 engines each delivering 1600 HP Continuous at 1800 RPM to a pair of Schottel azimuthing drives each with a 2100 m/m four-blade propeller in a nozzle. Reduction in the drive-train is 5.858:1.The result is a bollard pull of approximately 40 tons with ample power and maneuverability to provide ship assist.
Hawser winches are located fore and aft with a towing hook also at the first deck level aft. An electro-hydraulic knuckle boom mounted on the first level cabin top will provide additional versatility for the vessel. Electrical power is provided by two 220PS x 1500 rpm gen sets and a single 72PS x 1500 rpm harbor set. Accommodation is provided for a crew of 14 persons with a total capacity of 23 persons including crew. Fuel capacity is 70 cubic meters and fresh water is 25 m3 to provide for up to 15 day voyages.