VESSEL REVIEW | River Pearl 10 – Multi-role tug handed over to Indian port services provider

India's Synergy Shipbuilders has handed over a new ASD tug to local port services provider Knowledge Marine and Engineering Works (KMEW).

Built to a design by UK-based naval architecture firm Macduff Ship Design, River Pearl 10 is a multi-role service vessel with a large open working deck aft and a forward fo'c'sle and wheelhouse. The layout will allow the vessel to complete a wide range of harbour duties including berthing and unberthing assistance, crew transfer, delivery of supplies, and support of customs enforcement operations. The vessel will operate on charter at Deendayal Port in Gujarat.

River Pearl 10 is constructed entirely from steel to a hard-chine, hull form with an LOA of 21 metres, a beam of 7.2 metres, and a maximum draught of only two metres. The design was a development of an existing proven hull that was developed further to provide the vessel with the required performance characteristics whilst maintaining the operational specification and satisfying owner requirements.

The main propulsion is provided by twin Cummins KTA19 M3 engines that each produce 372 kW at 1,800 rpm through twin Hydromaster Z-drive ASD units. Trials showed that this arrangement allowed the vessel to exceed the contract requirements for a speed of 10 knots and a bollard pull of 10 tonnes.

On deck is a main aft towing bollard fitted with a towing hook.

The vessel has "D" fendering all around the vessel and "W" style fenders on the bow to assist with pushing operations.  These are complemented by a further "D" fender positioned down the vertical bow.

The tug is designed to be operated by a 10-strong crew. There are separate cabins for the captain and the chief engineer below the fo'c'sle deck and while the remaining eight crewmembers will be housed in cabins below the main deck casing. The main deck casing houses a large galley/mess with seating for crew or up to 10 people.

The forward compact wheelhouse offers commanding views all round with a main steering console and a small crew seating area.

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