Sanmar, Turkey’s leading tug builder, has delivered the third version of its new Robert Allan Ltd designed series, the Traktor-Z 2500SX– Delicay Class. The new vessel, planned for deployment in London with the name Svitzer Meridian, has a full FiFi 1 notation powered by a dedicated Cat C32 diesel engine and has been built to meet Svitzer’s so-called ‘LNG Philosophy’ which involves extra crew protection measures in the event of the presence of LNG originating from an LNG tanker or terminal. This second sister vessel of the series, Svitzer Vale was also delivered to Svitzer. The first boat of this class went directly to New Zealand.

The tractor tug was originally developed mainly for ship-handling due to its exceptional manoeuvrability and safety in operation and is preferred by many experienced operators. For this reason, Sanmar started building the model on ‘spec’ and their confidence has been rewarded as all the first batch are now sold. The main difference between the tractor and ASD type of tug is the location of the propulsors. This new series has forward mounted Z-Drives, whilst aft is a fixed skeg.

Both Svitzer Vale and Svitzer Meridian measure a compact 25.3m x 12.0m and have a bollard pull of 70 tonnes from a power plant which comprises twin Caterpillar engines coupled to Rolls-Royce Z-drives. Accommodation is up to Sanmar’s usual impeccably high standards for six persons. All cabins have en suite facilities and the mess, lounge and galley are intelligently laid out to European standards of comfort and quality. Throughout the accommodation and wheelhouse there is heating, ventilation and air-conditioning by central HVAC system. All accommodation is above the waterline.

This is the first series to be fitted with the Robert Allan Limited developed StRAke Wake Stabilisers. The result of much research and development by senior naval architects at RAL, these unique devices mounted at the stern of a tractor tug are very effective in damping out oscillatory motion across the entire speed range. Simple and cost effective, the devices show no negative effect on performance, ahead or astern.

However, the upgraded dedicated diesel driven FiFi system, by FFS, to full FiFi1 notation and the LNG incident protection makes Svitzer Meridian stand out from its sisters. The latter includes a LNG detection system to protect the crew and facilitate operational shut down upon decision of the Master, in the presence of LNG. In case of a LNG warning, it shall be possible to close the ventilation fire dampers to protect the interior against LNG ingress and recirculate the air. A dedicated over-pressure citadel is appointed in the wheelhouse.

Now even more certain of the potential of this model, Sanmar has started the construction ’on spec’ of two more of the Delicay Class, the first of which will be available for delivery towards the end of this year.