Keel Laid for Royal Thai Navy Tug
Thai shipbuilder Italthai Marine Limited in July hosted a keel laying ceremony for a new 32-meter tug that it is building for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).The builder was awarded the construction contract for this second RAmparts 3200 tug earlier this year after delivering the first, Panyi 857, in 2016.Designed by Canadian naval architect and marine engineering firm Robert Allan Ltd., the tugs are built for handling large navy vessels and submarines coming in and out of port, as well as supporting oil recovery operations…
Thai Navy Orders New Tug from Italthai
On January 19, 2018, Italthai Marine Limited of Thailand signed a contract with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) for the construction of a sister ship to the Robert Allan Ltd. designed RAmparts 3200 tug Panyi 857. Italthai have built three Robert Allan Ltd. tugs previously for Thailand, Panyi 857 built in 2016 and a pair of RAmparts 2800’s for The Port Authority of Thailand, Tarua 120 and Tarua 302 both built in 2012. Hull form and all equipment are the same as Panyi 857 with enhanced fendering system to handle the navy’s new submarines. Purpose of the tug includes handling large navy vessels and submarines during in or out port, supporting of oil recovery operation, firefighting operation and other duties.
Tarua 120: New Addition to Ramparts 2800 Class
In July 2012, Tarua 120 was delivered by shipyard Italthai Marine Limited to her owners, the Port Authority of Thailand. This is the latest of the RAmparts 2800 Class Tugs to be built to this widely accepted design from Robert Allan Ltd., Naval Architects of Vancouver, B.C. and is the first tug to be built to a Robert Allan Ltd. design in Thailand. Working in close cooperation with shipyard personnel, the standard Ramparts 2800 design is customized to meet the Port Authority of Thailand’s requirements for propulsion equipment, accommodations, tank capacities and outfit.
Thailand Port Expansion Opposed by Residents
The move comes after the Transport Ministry proposed a 120-billion-baht (US$ 3.7-billion) project over seven years to expand the busy Chon Buri port. The port has undergone two development phases, and Transport Minister Jarupong Ruangsuwan is calling for a third phase, advised by Team Group. The proposed expansion will increase the port's annual cargo-handling capacity to 18.8 million 20-foot equivalent units, sufficient for over the next two decades, while at present the port handles 55% of Thailand's exports and imports. The port expansion is part of the projects aimed at connecting the Eastern Seaboard to a planned deep-sea port and industrial estate in Dawei, Myanmar. The expansion affects more than 1,000 households in Bang Lamung district, said local resident Chokthana Uppatham.
Star To Develop Thailand Cruise Terminal
Malaysia's Star Cruises Plc has reportedly been selected as the developer and operator of a cruise terminal at Thailand's Laem Chabang, the gateway port to Bangkok. Star said in a statement that an agreement signed between the cruise operator and the Port Authority of Thailand provided for a 30-year lease which can be extended by two more periods of 10 years each. The berth at Laem Chabang will be 365 metres (yards) long and capable of docking the largest cruise ships, it said. Star said about $15 million will be spent on a cruise terminal building.
