(With extra picture) Van der Velden Marine Systems (VDVMS) and US representative Ships Machinery International (SMI) have launched a new Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) with Barke high-lift flap rudders for increased manoeuvring for coastwise service in the USA.
Tank tests have shown that this is the most effective rudder design for this type of vessel. The 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.
ATB Design
The ATB is designed by naval architecture firm Guido Perla and Associates 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 90 m Rules, Maltese Cross A1 AMS ACCU Towing Vessel, SOLAS, USCG Subchapter I.
Barke Rudders
At present, there is no other vessel like this one in the US. 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.
The key driver behind the Barke rudder is its innovative and sophisticated progressive high lift design, offering unsurpassed manoeuvring and course keeping performance as well as smooth operational comfort. The progressively operating flap linkage system is contained in a fully enclosed, grease-lubricated Barke housing. This results in minimum wear on the linkage components and eliminates the problems caused by contact with floating objects.
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. Another set of Barke high-lift rudders will be installed on another ATB before this summer.
