Rolls-Royce introduces new AHTS design

Rolls-Royce has introduced a new 68-meter anchor handling tug supply vessel (AHTS) which, according to the British engine giant, promises to lower build and operating expenses.

The UT 7217, as the vessel design was named, falls within the mid-range AHTS category with a bollard pull of 100 tonnes and sufficient capacity for liquid and powder cargo in the supply boat role.

The vessel design is advertised as a jack-of-all trades as the company has equipped it for a variety of roles ranging from supply boat, through ROV/maintenance to standby and rescue operations.

The vessel is powered by two medium- speed Bergen C25:33L9P CD diesel engines, each producing 3,000kW. They drive through a direct mechanical transmission to US305 azimuth thrusters with 3.2m diameter CP propellers in nozzles. Each engine also drives a shaft generator and fire pump for FiFi 1 class.

Electrical power is independently provided by two diesel gensets, each supplying 400kW. Among the consumers are two 590kW tunnel bow thrusters. The redundancy of the propulsion and power system meets IMO DP2 dynamic positioning requirements.

In the OSV standard option, the complement is up to 40 people, personnel and crew, which includes a maximum of 12 passengers, the company stated.

Introducing the new vessel design, Jan Emblemsvåg, Senior Vice President Ship Design & Systems, said: “The dramatic reduction in the oil price has forced both vessel operators and oil companies to trim their organisations and constantly look for more cost-effective ways of working, eliminating ‘gold-plated’ solutions.”

“This applies to support vessels as well as equipment. Our UT 7217 is designed to meet the requirements of the future, which will be significantly different to the past.”

The vessel is also fitted with the Rolls-Royce two-drum, low-pressure hydraulic winch with 200 tonne heave and 250 tonne brake rating. Each drum can hold 1,545m of 64mm wire, cable lifter pull is 155 tonnes at 8m/min, and there are large rig chain lockers, according to the company’s specifications.