MAN B&W Diesel A/S, Denmark, has been awarded the contract to supply two medium-speed L27/38 twin engine packages for two escort and terminal handling tugs. The newbuildings are under construction at the Spanish shipyard of Astilleros Balenciaga SA., Zumaia, for the Port of Tarragona-based Remolcadores de Puerto y Altura SA. (REPASA) fleet. The vessels (hull Nos. 392 and 393), named Romulo and Remo, are scheduled to be delivered during 2005 with a three month interval. The first tug’s sea trail runs are scheduled to finish in February. Due to the operational requirements, a highly efficient and powerful propulsion concept was choosen for the tugs. Main engine torque and power is converted into pulling power and maneuverability via two sets of Steerprop SP 35 azimuthing propellers.
