Crowley Maritime’s naval architecture and marine engineering firm Jensen Maritime has designed two Azimuth stern drive (ASD), 5,360HP tugboats for New Orleans-based Crescent Towing.
Based on Jensen’s existing 92ft ASD tug design, the new tugboats will offer greater horsepower and enhanced stability during operation.
These 70 metric tonne (mt) bollard pull tugs will be constructed by Steiner Shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, US, and will be capable of towing, ship assist and escort duties.
In addition, the vessel will be equipped with Tier 3 GE 8L250 main engines and Rolls-Royce US 255FP Z-drives.
The new design provides a modified staple placement that is expected to boost steering forces by approximately 30% and an increased brake tension on the bow winch will also accommodate the increased steering forces, Jensen stated.
Crescent Towing executive vice-president Keith Kettenring said: "The high horsepower and compact, deep-draft design of the 2010 tug allows us to better serve a wide variety of our customer’s current and future needs in all aspects of ship assist.
"Horsepower is important for safety due to the increasing size, tonnage and draft of the ships calling on our ports now and in the future."
The tugs are expected to be delivered in November 2015 and January 2016 respectively.
Besides these, Jensen has already designed three vessels for Crescent, with last one being delivered in 2010.
Image: The new design ASD tugboats have increased horsepower and stability. Photo: courtesy of Crowley Maritime Corporation.
