VESSEL REVIEW | Samson – Compact catamaran tugs handed over to UK operator

Isle of Wight-based shipbuilder Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC) recently completed the construction of two new catamaran tugs in a series for a local operator.

The sister vessels Hercules and Samson were designed by naval architecture firm Ad Hoc Marine Designs, which is also based on the Isle of Wight. John Kecsmar, the company's CEO, said a catamaran hull form was chosen since it offers 50 per cent greater stability compared to a monohull tug of equivalent size. Also, having two propellers spaced considerably apart provides greater manoeuvrability.

The new tugs each have a length of nine metres, a single-point lift, and a bollard pull of 5.2 tonnes courtesy of two Yanmar 6CH-HTE3 high-speed engines with a total rated output of 280 kW at 2,600 rpm. The engines drive Kort propellers via ZF W325 gearboxes. This arrangement allows each tug to turn on its own length as well as achieve a stopping distance of less than one boat length. The manoeuvrability means the vessels can operate safely even in more restrictive waters.

Hercules and Samson will be deployed in Guyana where they will be operated by Marine Procurement, a Scotland-based company under US-headquartered the Edison Chouest Group. The tugs' work in Guyana will be in support of the oil industry.

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