Cat Powers Brusco's New Tugs
Caterpillar Marine recently signed a contract to supply its solutions for the next generation of Brusco Tug and Barge’s new tugs. The first tug was delivered in December 2019, and the second vessel will soon be under construction at Diversified Marine Inc. (DMI), in Portland, Ore., featuring a bollard pull of 84 short tons and complete system integration by Caterpillar Marine.
Caterpillar Marine’s West Coast territory sales manager Enrique Aponte said, “This vessel will change the escort tug market, as currently, no other tug in service has the dynamic thrust and force that Caterpillar is providing in such a small footprint as this tug. With the world’s fleet needs, this tug will be able to maneuver between vessels and piers with the ever-decreasing turning radius.”
Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., the new 6008 hp tug is a RAmpart 2500. At 2,240 kW (1,800 rpm), the Cat 3516 U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final and IMO III certified propulsion engines will optimize the performance of the new tug, along with Cat C7.1 generator sets (118 ekW), and MTA 627 azimuth thrusters with 2.7 m propellers. This full system integration will optimize the propellers for maximum bollard pull and maneuverability.
“Caterpillar’s latest generation of thruster products are fully integrated into the engine products, optimized for workboat operations and using the latest technology from Caterpillar. This means minimized installation time and maximized uptime and performance. To meet environmental regulations, the thrusters will have the Cat LipMon seal monitoring system. The scope will also include Caterpillar’s engine mounted clutch with slip functionality for the best maneuvering capability,” said Caterpillar’s Propulsion Application & Installation Manager Emil Cerdier.
Other features of the vessel include a FIFI system capable of circulating 1250 gallons per minute through its Elkhart Spit-Fire model 8394-04 brass monitor water cannon and a DEPC-52 winch system designed by Markey Machinery Company in Seattle. This single drum 75 HP electric hawser winch features an automatic tension-selectable render-recover mode for its over 770 feet of 9.5/10” line. All electrical components comply with ABS, USCG, and IEEG-45 standards.