Rolls-Royce powers six new tugs in Eastern China

Rolls-Royce Marine has signed a contract to supply 12 azimuth thrusters to power six new tugboats for Qingdao Port, a leading coastal port in China. Deliveries will start in the third quarter of 2010.

Two types of thrusters have been selected for the six tugs, including four US205 fixed pitch P20s, which will power the 5200hp tugs, and two US255 FPs, which will power the 6800hp tugs. The former are capable of producing 62 tonnes of bollard pull while the latter can produce 80 tonnes of bollard pull, enough capability to tow an LNG tanker.

Rolls-Royce vice president – merchant marine, North East Asia, and managing director, marine, China, Ole Nustad, said: “We are delighted to work with Qingdao Port again. This latest order is further recognition of the continued reliability and technological advancement of our products, as well as our ever-improving support services.”

Deputy general manager of Qingdao Port Tug Company, Liu Liang said: “Rolls- Royce provides strong technological knowledge, speedy technical and spare part support, as well as reliable after sales protection. It is this solid foundation that has enabled Rolls-Royce to make significant headway in the Chinese market. ”

In 1999, the first azimuth thrusters were delivered to a tugboat named M/V Asia No. 1. The largest tugboat in Asia at the time, that 5000hp tug was built for Qingdao Port by Zhenjiang Shipyard. Since then, Rolls-Royce has provided 26 azimuth thrusters for 13 of Qingdao Port’s existing tugs. Rolls-Royce says that today, over 200 tugs equipped with its azimuth thrusters are in operation in China.