Harbor tugboats with three z-drives were first introduced almost two decades ago. The first of these so-called Rotortugs has finally reached North American shores.
Seabulk Towing took delivery of Trident, the first of three planned Advanced Rotortugs (ART), in January. Master Boat Builders of Bayou La Batre, Ala., built the vessel using a design from Robert Allan Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C.
Seabulk assigned Trident — named for the weapon favored by the sea god Poseidon — to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The second tug, Triton, named after Poseidon’s messenger, is scheduled for delivery in late spring. A third tug, aptly named Trinity, is due in December.
“This was a proven design internationally, and we believed this concept could best service the growing LNG industry as well as accommodate the larger vessel sizes calling at our ports of operation,” said Rick Groen, COO of Seabulk Towing, a subsidiary of Seacor Holdings Inc.
Naval architect Robert Allan, chairman of his namesake firm, considers the arrival of ART vessels in North America a potential game changer. “And I think it will make people stand up and take notice of what isn’t even a new development in the industry, but it will be a new development here.”
Robert Allan Ltd., under an exclusive agreement with Rotortug B.V. of the Netherlands, designed a series of ART triple z-drive vessels, which are typically defined by their bollard pull, length and, in the U.S., with the “US” suffix to distinguish them from the metric designations used everywhere else in the world. Hence, Trident is designated ART 80-98US due to its 80 tons of bollard pull and a 98.5-foot length.Allan estimates there are about 50 Rotortugs operating around the world.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mariner's role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Mariners’ role still unknown as autonomous shipping gains speed
Piracy edges closer to home with wave of raids in southern Gulf
In the brief cellphone video recorded by a crewmember on the offshore supply vessel (OSV) Remas, the pirates walk back and forth on the deck of the ship, clenching their guns and using them to point as they order around the crew. Their faces are draped in clothing and bandanas.
Casualties
NTSB: Dredge hit Texas gas pipeline, causing fire that killed four
IMO emissions report raises new concerns about methane slip
A recent report from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reveals that global shipping emissions increased nearly 10 percent from 2012 to 2018, with the industry facing a growing challenge concerning methane slip.
Bay State brothers find industry niche by making old into new
Zero non-conformities is what you want to hear when the U.S. Coast Guard inspects your tugboat. Once you’ve prepared your vessel, the inspectors come aboard to peruse your paperwork. They ask you pointed questions, to which they expect straightforward answers. Perusal completed, they then scrutinize all of the related safety systems, from bilge to antennas — even the ship’s bell.
Signals
A year into the pandemic, thousands ‘essentially indentured’ on ships
Analysis points to faulty loading, low ballast in Golden Ray rollover
While the salvage of the sunken vehicle carrier Golden Ray has been delayed for months due to COVID-19 and the hurricane season, analysis by the U.S. Coast Guard has determined a possible cause for the rollover: a combination of vehicles placed too high on the ship’s decks, and not enough ballast water gave the placement of the cargo.
Seastreak newcomer pushing through dip in demand
Two years ago, Seastreak LLC took delivery of Seastreak Commodore, a 600-passenger fast ferry, from Gulf Craft of Franklin, La. Designed by Australia-based Incat Crowther, the vessel is the largest of its kind in the United States and was built to meet the burgeoning demand for service in the New York-New Jersey market.
New year in a new world: Navigating COVID's maritime realities
In a matter of days, the decorative time balls will drop, “Auld Lang Syne” will fill the air, and ships at anchor will sound their horns as the world welcomes in the new year.
Advanced props, rudders provide new efficiencies below the waterline
It took a decade or two from the invention of the marine propeller in the 19th century for the technology to become widely accepted. Thereafter, adoption has been nearly universal, but progress toward improved efficiencies has come in fits and starts.
