VESSEL REVIEW | Ghanim-1 – Multi-role tugs to serve Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port

UAE-based Grandweld Shipyards has delivered four new tugs in a series to Specialities Construction for General Trading and Contracting Company, a marine services company that operates out of Shuwaikh Port on Kuwait's Persian Gulf coast.

Designed by Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd, Ghanim-1, Ghanim-2, Ghanim-3, and Ghanim-4 each have an LOA of 27.5 metres, a moulded beam of 11.5 metres, and a maximum draught of 5.75 metres. Two Caterpillar 3512C 1,678kW main engines drive Kongsberg Maritime US205S thrusters to deliver a bollard pull in excess of 50 tonnes.

The tugs have each been designed to the high standards of outfitting for an operating crew of up to eight. All accommodation spaces including the master and chief engineer's single cabins and three double crew cabins along with the galley and mess are located above the main deck.

The tugs are outfitted for safe and efficient performance of ship handling, escort, and harbour towing. The deck machinery consists of a DMT hydraulic single drum escort towing winch and a hydraulic anchor mooring windlass/winch at the bow. The escort towing winch is spooled with 600 metres of high-performance synthetic towline. In addition, a towing hook is provided on the aft deck.

The tugs are equipped with a powerful FFS off-ship fire fighting system with two monitors that can deliver up to 2,400 m³/h of water or 300 m³/h of foam/water mix. The tugs are protected by water spray systems.

The tugs are also designed to assist in oil pollution response. Each tug is equipped with a dispersant system and has the capability of storing recovered oil in three onboard dedicated tanks.

A large hold is arranged aft of the engine room with a shipping hatch and sufficient space to accommodate a workshop and the necessary portable equipment. A Toimil Marine fully foldable telescopic crane with a 10-metre outreach is fitted on the aft deck.

The tugs were built to Bureau Veritas class rules.