Furuno Equips New US Navy Tug

MarineLink August 13, 2020

(Image: Dakota Creek Industries)

The first of the U.S. Navy's new YT-808 tugs being built by Dakota Creek Industries (DCI) has been outfitted with a sophisticated marine electronics package from Furuno.

Mackay Marine selected and installed a comprehensive suite of electronics that will assist YT-808 in fulfilling its ship-handling duties for the full range of U.S. Navy surface warships, barges and submarines. The helm aboard the new vessel includes a 12kW FAR2218BB Radar, DS80 Doppler Speed Log, GP330B GPS Receiver, FA170 AIS, and RD33 Data organizer. The tug also includes a 14" multi-touch MFD, the NavNet TZtouch TZT14, featuring upgraded C-Map cartography and a 24" DRS4DNXT Solid-State Dome Radar.

YT-808 is designed after the existing YT-802 Valiant-class tug, and will be replacing aging vessels commissioned nearly half a century ago. Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., YT-808 has a length of 90 feet and a 38-foot beam, with a maximum navigational draft of 16.5 feet. Her CAT 3512E main engines give her a free-running speed of up to 12 knots, and Schottel 1012 Z-drives allow for rapid changes in thrust and vessel direction, ensuring the utmost in maneuverability and control. An articulating hydraulic brow installed aft of the deckhouse will allow for easy personnel transfers to and from other ships or submarines.

Launched earlier this year, the series' first tug completed acceptance trials in July 2020 ahead of planned delivery this month. The remaining five vessels are scheduled to be completed by early 2022.