Robert Allan, Sanmar Design New Z-drive Tractor Tug

The TRAktor-Z 2500SX is the new Z-drive tractor tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd. in collaboration with Sanmar Shipyards. Engineered for maximum efficiency in both harbor ship handling and towing duties, this compact, under 24 m rule length design offers dependable omnidirectional performance for use in ports worldwide.

The hull and appendage configuration has been extensively model tested and analysed with Robert Allan Ltd.’s in house Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) capability, to optimize directional stability both while sailing ahead and astern, without compromising maneuverability. The hull particulars are:

Ship handling and towing duties are performed using a double drum winch and dual aperture staple combination off the aft main deck. Heavy duty cylindrical fendering envelops the stern bulwark, with an additional row of ‘W’ type fenders on the hull below. The cylindrical fender extends quite far forward and ties into ‘D’ type fenders along the sheer line, ensuring adequate contact area with an assisted ship while working off the hip. For redundancy an optional tow hook can be installed on the aft deck near the winch.

The wheelhouse is designed for maximum, 360 degree visibility from the aft biased main console. Main engine exhaust stacks have been routed in areas of natural blind spots, such as the door frame and window mullions, to reduce visibility obstructions around the wheelhouse perimeter. Overhead windows and a rotating mast allow for overhead visibility and ability to undertake operations under the flare of a ship. The large bridge deck forward has space for installation of a rescue boat and davit.

The deckhouse includes a wet room when entering off the main working deck, and access into the engine room below. This space is separated from the galley and mess for noise reduction. Forward of the mess and galley are the master and chief engineer rooms, complete with individual water closet units and spacious floor area in excess of 8 m2. The lower deck includes 2 x 2 crew cabins with individual water closets, and a laundry room. All accommodation is above the waterline and in full compliance with MLC2006 requirements. 

The engine room is the area that really offers a lot of flexibility and customization potential. The propulsion equipment can be configured for a:

Aft of the engine room is a spacious hold/workshop area, which can be configured for a second Z-drive compartment for the Rotortug arrangement. 

Additionally the engine room layout allows for installation of the following optional equipment:

If off-ship firefighting is installed the fire monitors will be installed on the aft bridge deck facing aft.

The TRAktor-Z 2500SX is a small tug that can do the work of its larger predecessors. This compact design offers tugboat owners and operators the versatility and flexibility to customize the design for specific operations and ports. 

Powerful class maintains its popularity

With the arrival of Bedia Safi and Celal Safi in Safi Port, Derince, Turkey, some 30 Bogacay Class ASD tugs have now been delivered by Sanmar to customers worldwide. 

Measuring 24.4m in length with a moulded beam of 11.25m and an overall draft of 5.10m, this design, exclusive to Sanmar, was developed by Robert Allan Ltd with considerable input from the builder to give enhanced stability and greater bollard pull for a vessel of such compact dimensions. The boats are powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512 C main engines, each developing 1,765kW at 1,800rpm driving Rolls-Royce US 205 FP azimuth drives with carbon shafts turning 2,400mm diameter propellers inside high efficiency nozzles with stainless steel inner surfaces. This arrangement gives a maximum bollard pull of 60 metric tons although different engine/thruster configurations can give this model up to 75 metric ton BP. Auxiliary generator sets are also by Caterpillar – a pair of 86ekW C4.4s. 

The port side main engine also powers the pump that feed the external fire-fighting system with a FFS supplied monitor capacity of 1,200m3/h located at forward end of the bridge deck. A main winch, manufactured by DMT, is mounted on each vessel’s foredeck. 

The vessels can carry 78m3 of fuel oil and 11.8m3 of fresh water, as well as 4.4m3 of foam and are equipped with a Harsonic ultrasonic antifouling system for hull and sea chests as well as cathodic protection. 

On their delivery voyage to SafiPort, the new tugs took in tow a pair of new steel mooring boats built by Sanmar. These boats, of the exclusive Palamar series, measure 9.95m in length with a beam of 3.20m and are powered by a 150hp Iveco diesel engine.