Tag: tugs

This marks MOL's first ownership of a tugboat powered by LNG-fueled engines produced by Yanmar Co., Ltd. and it will be the first LNG-fueled tugboat in Japan conforming to the IGF code. It is also Japan's first LNG-fueled tugboat with the LNG fuel tank mounted on the exposed deck at the stern of the ship.

Three people died and several others sustained major injuries, after a tug boat exploded on the Tennessee River in Kentucky, on early Friday, according to Kentucky State Police. The vessel was docked at a facility near Calvert City, to undergo repairing.

The vessel will have reduced exhaust emission levels, when operating in ‘green’ mode, with minimal visible smoke from being produced since the load is being picked-up by the batteries. Moreover, the noise level of the tug will be reduced.

Using a drone to connect the towline to an assisted vessel will drastically improve the safety margin of tug operations, as this will avoid the need for manoeuvring in the so-called danger zone, the company explains.

While making fast to Thorco Crystal, the tug Arafura Sea Delta was affected by hydrodynamic interaction forces and subsequently collided with the ship. Arafura Sea Delta was one of two tugs assigned to assist Thorco Crystal’s berthing. The tugs collided about 2 nautical miles west of Humbug Point Wharf, Weipa, Queensland.

In October 2016, the articulated tug and barge Nathan E Stewart/DBL 55 ran aground on Edge Reef off Athlone Island, Canada, causing significant environmental damage, as 29,000 gallons of oil were released. Damage to the vessel and barge was estimated at $12 million.

The Wärtsilä HYTug focuses on environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and lower fuel consumption. The new tug incorporates engines, an energy storage system using batteries, and power electronics optimised to work together through an energy management system.

American shipping company Foss Maritime and Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to construct at least 10 tugs, which will meet the demands of the U.S. tug assist and escort market. The tugs are expected to be delivered in 2019.

DeltaBreaker combines the features of tug, icebreaker and pusher with some added functionalities. The ship uses LNG as fuel, so as to reduce emissions, and the hull shape has low resistance with ability to break ice up to 0.6 m thick.

In the latest issue of its Safety Digest, UK MAIB presents a collision of a tug with its towing vessel, due to wrong judgement and poor communication. The report provides a description of what happened and important lessons learned to prevent similar accidents in the future.