Iskes Orders Green Tugs

Iskes Towage & Salvage has taken its first Damen tug into operation, the ASD 2810 Argus with a bollard pull of 60 tonnes. The towage company has subsequently placed orders with the Dutch shipbuilder for two new “green tugs” designed by Iskes and Offshore Ship Designers.

The new tug design cuts emissions by 30 percent. The tugs will be built at Damen’s Hardinxveld yard and will be delivered by mid-2013, according to a company statement. The Green Tug design complies with the World Ports Climate initiative supported by the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Currently, the Green Tug Project is in the final, detailed design stage.

The Green Tug’s azimuth thrusters, bow thrusters and winches use diesel-electric propulsion. To reduce emissions while mobilizing to a job, the tug will sail on battery power. When sailing at cruising speed only one generator is used, reducing fuel consumption and maintenance. The vessel will have 70-tonne bollard pull and is equipped with a double drum, creating an independently controlled forward winch system. Two tow-wires can be paid out at the same time and controlled independently of one another to better maneuver in narrow spaces.

Photo shows Damen’s ASD 2810 Argus, courtesy of Damen Shipyard.