Assembly Line For Tugs

By Alan Haig-Brown

The shipyards of Sarawak are particularly adept at meeting the demands of multiple tug orders. Kian Juan Dockyard in Miri is currently in the midst of a ten-boat order all of which are built to the same design. As of late January this year two units had been delivered and six were scheduling for sea trails. The balances of two units had already been launched and were fitting out alongside. The large open area, extensive covered shop buildings and ample river frontage ease the logistical complexity of this sort of an undertaking. The ability of local suppliers to meet requirements on time and on schedule is equally important. 
 
The Miri facility for Scott and English, supplied the 20 1200-HP Cummins KTA38-M2 main engines for the ten 30- by 8.6-meter tugs. Each tug will have 2400 HP turning a pair of 2000 by 1789-m/m props through Twin Disc MG5321 DC gears with 5.96:1 reductions. This power will give the tugs a 25-ton design bollard pull and a speed of eleven knots.
 
With a 13.6-ft molded depth, each tug has capacity for 203-tons of fuel, 50 tons of potable water, 57 tons of ballast water. Accommodation for crew is provided in two one-man cabins and four cabins for three people each. The boats have sewage holding tanks and treatment systems. They are also fitted with oily bilge-water separators.
 
A 25-ton single-drum towing winch with capacity for 500 meters of 48 m/m line is mounted on the after deck. The vessel is also fitted with a quick-release towing hook. 
 
Scott & English also supplied the ten boats’ 20 Cummins 6BT5.9-powered 78 kW generator sets. The tugs are classed GL +100 A5 +MC, Tug Unrestricted Navigation. The ten tugs are built to the account of Thaumas Marine Ltd, of Sabah, Malaysia. David Chee, spokesman for the owners reports that the vessels are for sale with prompt delivery ex Miri yard at USD 1.95 million net to the owner.