Sanmar Shipyards built Svitzer Rivas as one of its Bogacay series of Z-drive harbour tugs
An azimuth stern drive (ASD) tug built by Sanmar Shipyards has enhanced Svitzer’s towage, ship handling and emergency response operations in the Dominican Republic, following its arrival in Q2 2022.
Svitzer Rivas was built to a Robert Allan Ltd’s RAmparts 2400SX design, initially as Bogacay XLVI, with Z-drive propulsion, fire-fighting systems and around 80 tonnes of bollard pull.
At the time, it was the 27th tugboat that Sanmar had delivered to the AP Moller-Maersk group subsidiary and world’s largest tug operator.
In May, Svitzer Americas managing director Arjen van Dijk welcomed delivery of Svitzer Rivas. “With this addition to the fleet, we are investing in our ability to meet our customers’ demands now as well as in the future,” he said.
“By expanding and modernising our fleet, we aim to further strengthen our position as the leading towage provider in the Caribbean,” he added.
Svitzer Rivas has an overall length of 24.4 m, a moulded beam of 11.5 m and moulded depth of 4.4 m. It is powered by two Caterpillar-manufactured Cat 3516C marine diesel engines, each developing 2,350 kW of power at 1,800 rpm, to drive two Kongsberg US 255S azimuth thrusters with fixed-pitch propellers. These give Svitzer Rivas a free running speed of 12 knots.
“With this addition to the fleet, we are investing in our ability to meet our customers’ demands now as well as in the future”
Sanmar constructed this towing vessel in accordance with ABS class requirements, with notations: ✠A1, ✠AMS, FIFI1, ✠ABCU, UWILD, QR, for unrestricted service and with accommodation compliant with the Maritime Labour Convention.
Deck equipment on board includes a DMT TW-E250kN frequency controlled and electrically driven towing winch with a double drum, tension and length indication and the ability to keep a constant tension. Tanks on this harbour tug can hold 74,200 litres of fuel oil and 10,800 litres of fresh water.
Sanmar Shipyards vice president Ali Gurun said: “Svitzer Rivas will provide a powerful addition to their services in the Dominican Republic.”
RAmparts 2400SX class tugs are technologically advanced, with Robert Allan adapting its design to Sanmar’s requirements for efficient operations inside harbours and for high manoeuvring, sea-keeping and stability performance. The design is based on an intended low-manning operation, with a high levels of machinery automation.
Mr Gurun said Svitzer Rivas was named after Captain Dickson Rivas, a long-serving client and personal friend of the shipbuilder.
“He has even sailed from Turkey to the Dominican Republic as captain and managing director with Sanmar-built tugs many years ago,” said Mr Gurun, adding, “Capt Dickson will be retiring soon after many years of service in towage industry.”
Since delivery of Svitzer Rivas, Svitzer Americas has ordered a second similar tugboat from Sanmar. Svitzer Isabela, as another from the RAmparts 2400SX series, will be deployed in the Dominican Republic during Q4 2022. It is named after the first established Spanish town in the nation. This newbuild vessel is another ASD tug, with 70 tonnes of bollard pull.
“I look forward to welcoming Svitzer Isabela to the Svitzer Americas fleet. It is vital to our fleet renewal and expansion strategy,” Mr van Dijk said. “We will continue to expand and renew our fleet in the coming years.”
Svitzer Rivas particulars
Owner: Svitzer
Country of operation: Dominican Republic
Builder: Sanmar
Designer: Robert Allan Ltd
Design: RAmparts 2400SX
Length, oa: 24.4 m
Beam, moulded: 11.5 m
Depth, moulded: 4.4 m
Bollard pull: 70 tonnes
Speed: 12.5 knots
Main engines: 2 x Cat 3516C, 2,350 kW at 1,800 rpm
Propulsion: 2 x Kongsberg US 255S FP
