Pilbara Marine has placed an order for six 32 metre rotor tugs to be deployed at the company’s operations at Port Hedland on Australia’s west coast, the world’s largest bulk export port.
The order for its construction was placed with Damen Shipyards. These tugs will be built at Damen’s Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam. The first two are scheduled for delivery ex-yard by the end of October 2018, with the remaining four due in early 2019. The six tugs are of the ART 85-32W class.
Their propulsion system features three azimuth thrusters, two forward and one aft. Together these deliver the full 85 tonnes of bollard pull over both the bow and the stern, and 65% from amidships. The system delivers additional benefits regarding manoeuvrability, braking and engine and winch redundancy. The W notation refers to the increased beam of these designs, providing additional stability during escorting operations conducted regularly at Port Hedland.
Their reputation precedes them
Rebecca Hayward, legal manager Strategic Contracts at Fortescue Metals Group, of which Pilbara is a wholly owned subsidiary added: “After reviewing the market, Damen was an obvious choice because of its global reputation for outstanding quality leading to lower running costs as well as its proven track record of delivering vessels on time, within budget. We are confident that our full operational requirements will be met by the new ART 85-32W design and are heartened by the fact that Damen will provide long term support here in Western Australia.” In May 2016 Pilbara Marine was awarded a second towage license by Pilbara Ports Authority for the port of Port Hedland and the new ART 85-32W rotor tugs will enable it to offer long-term, sustainable towage services.
