Grandweld tugs for Khalifa Port

The tugboats will help with escorting and towing, mooring and unmooring and fire fighting operations at the Abu Dhabi port.

They have been specially designed for Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and are equipped with high-tech machinery including 4700 bhp engines, a forward escort winch and two Azimuthing stern propulsion systems. This will allow the vessels to achieve 55 tonne bollard pull of towing capacity meaning they will be able to handle large vessels and container ships at Khalifa Port.

Jamal Abki, general manager, Grandweld Shipyards, said: “These tugs were built to the most advanced design and fitted with the highest quality equipments that will ensure reliability and mission readiness for heavy duty operations at the port.”

And the tugs will certainly be kept busy. Khalifa Port container terminal is set to open on 1 September 2012 – it will be the first semi-automated terminal in the MENA region.