Van der Velden Marine Systems (VDVMS), part of Damen Shipyards Group, in conjunction with its US representative Ships Machinery International, Inc. (SMI) announced the launching of a new state-of-the-art Jones Act Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) with BARKE® high-lift flap rudders for coastal services in the USA. This newly designed vessel brings increased manoeuvring to the fleet of ATB plying the US coastal waters.
Tank tests prove that for this type of vessel this is the most effective rudder design. The new ATB will have enhanced manoeuvrability and excellent course-keeping stability. The efficiency provided by this high technology rudder solution will result in significant savings over the life of the vessel, hence reduced total cost of ownership.
The complete tug (the future M/V Sea Power), which is under construction at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida, will be handed over to its owner Sea-Vista ATB I LLC, in the summer of 2016.
This modern ATB is designed by one of North America’s leading naval architecture firms, Guido Perla and Associates, Inc. to the following vessel characteristics: length 43 metres, breadth 14 metres and a draught of 6.75 metres. Power is via two main engines of 4640 kW and three main generators of 250 kW each with a standby emergency generator of 150 kW. The vessel uses a pin connector system between the tug and the barge and fully complies with ABS Under 90m Rules, Maltese Cross A1 AMS ACCU Towing Vessel, SOLAS, USCG Subchapter I.
There is no other vessel like this one in the US at present time. It has an exceptional manoeuvring system with two independently controlled and operated hydro-dynamic Van der Velden BARKE@ rudders. Independent Proportional Steering will allow the rudders to be actuated either independently or synchronised.