Fuel saving family

IJmuiden, 27/05/2010 9:34am

The first two designs from a family of fuel saving harbour tugs have been launched by IJmuiden-based Offshore Ship Designers. The Azistern family of designs builds on lessons learnt during the OSD-led Green Tug project. The range uses conventional technology combined with highly-optimised hull forms to deliver fuel saving and low wake harbour tugs.

The  first two designs are the Azistern 3065 and the Azistern 2465. The larger vessel will deliver 65 - 70 tonnes bollard pull from a 31 m loa hull powered by two 1,950 kW diesel engines driving twin azimuthing stern thrusters. It will be around 15 per cent more fuel efficient than comparable modern tug designs, due to the optimised hull shape. The 2465 60 - 65 tonnes BP from a similar power pack, but with a more compact hull 24 m hull and a lower maximum speed.

Both tug hulls have a hard chine form which has undergone extensive tank testing to optimise energy saving during transit. It also results in a very low wash, which is important in a crowded harbour.

To ensure the vessel is simple to build and maintain in shipyards around the world a conventional machinery package has been specified. However, attention to fuel saving and efficiency is evident in the attention to detail. Uncluttered decks equipped with twin forward and aft winches and good visibility ensure ease of handling for the three man crew.

The Azistern 3065 has a maximum transit speed of 13 knots and BP up to 70 tonnes ahead and 65 astern and a 300 KW bow thruster. The compact hull has a gross tonnage of 423 gt and a design operating draft of 4.25 m.  click here for more information