Maldives Ports took delivery of a new shallow-draught, multipurpose tug in 2022 as it increased operations in the principal port of Malé, the capital of the archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean
Damen Shipyards completed Veeru 4 for state corporation of the Maldives and delivered it in April under the Maldives flag and Bureau Veritas class, for towing, mooring, pushing and survey operations in the port and in coastal waters.
It was built to Damen’s Stan Tug 1606 design with a displacement of 90 tonnes, overall length of 16.76 m, beam of 5.94 m, a hull depth of 2.54 m and a draught at the aft of 2.22 m.
Veeru 4’s propulsion comes from two Caterpillar C18 TA/A main diesel engines, producing total power of 894 kW at 1,800 rpm, turning two Kaplan II fixed-pitch propellers, or 1,350 mm diameter inside Van de Giessen-designed Optima stainless steel nozzles, through Reintjes WAF 264L gearboxes with a reduction ratio of 4.5:1.
All this gives this tug bollard pull ahead of 17.1 tonnes and speed of 11.3 knots, while there is also hydraulic steering gear and two streamlined double-plated rudders.
Veeru 4 has an electrically drive anchor winch, two 80-kg anchors, a Mampaey disc-type towing hook with a safe force of 250 kN, 100 m of 12.5 mm diameter chain and a life raft on the deck. It has continuous rubber D-shaped fenders, of 200 x 200 mm around the hull and a cylindrical fender, of 380 mm diameter, on the bow for pushing vessels.
Electrical power comes from one Caterpillar C2.2 NA generator set, producing 20.3 kW at /400 V and 50 Hz, and there are two 24 V alternators driven by the main engines and two battery sets.
Veeru 4 has a Azcue /3 bilge pump, closed cooling system, Rheinstrom M50 sewage pump and its fuel oil system includes duplex filters, water separator and an emergency stop oil supply.
On board there is capacity to store 14.2 m3 of fuel oil, 1.1 m3 of fresh water, 0.7 m3 of sewage and 0.5 m3 of bilge water. In the wheelhouse there is a Furuno FR-8065 radar, GP-39 GPD and FCV-628 echosounder and a Sailor Compact 6248 VHF radio and a Cassens & Plath compass.
Veeru 4 particulars
Owner: Maldives Ports
Country of operation: Maldives
Builder: Damen Shipyards
Designer: Damen
Design: Stan Tug 1606
Length, oa: 16.76 m
Beam, oa: 5.94 m
Depth: 2.54 m
Draught: 2.22 m
Bollard pull: 17.1 tonnes
Speed: 11.3 knots
Main engines: 2 x Cat C18 TA/A, 894 kW at 1,800 rpm
Propulsion: 2 x Kaplan II FP
