On 10 November, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved 24 million euros (Chapter 1405 Title 55412) to pave the way for an interim solution for the Class 722 sea tug. On 26 November 2022, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support published a tender for the "purchase of two used, marketable ocean-going tugs". According to the dry officialese, two ocean-going tugs ("anchor handling tugs") are being sought that are capable of "towing ships with a full load of up to 21,000 tonnes in sea area A3 to safe harbour." Briefly explained: Sea area A3 refers to those sea areas that lie outside coastal waters, i.e. by European standards the Atlantic Ocean west of the British/Irish sea borders. The tugs should have a workboat and be able to embark additional personnel. The maximum accommodation capacity will be 32 people.
Tugboat in the harbour
Expectations for spring 2023
The tender also states that two identical vessels built after 2002 are preferred. In addition to the deep-sea tugboat with workboat, the procurement includes the associated documentation and training for ten people. The units are to have a cargo deck with the capacity to hold a 20-foot container. Other technical details: maximum length 94 metres, bollard pull of at least 80 tonnes. With a maximum draught of 8 metres, the units should be able to travel at a speed of at least 13 knots. The price is quoted at 9.24 million euros per ship. Like their predecessors, the 'new' second-hand vessels will also be operated by a civilian crew from the navy and registered as federal authority vessels.
The specified timetable stipulates that tenders must be submitted by 19 January 2023. February is to be used for on-site explorations. The Bundeswehr procurement authority plans to sign a contract by 12 April 2023. Delivery of the navy's future ocean-going tugs is to take place in Kiel.
Long awaited
This marks the start of the long overdue renewal of the former six-strong fleet of sea tugs. The "Wangerooge" was the first of the sextet to have its keel laid in October 1965. Two years later, the Schichau shipyard in Bremerhaven began work on building number 6, the "Juist". Due to structural changes, the number was reduced to four as early as 1969. "Norderney" experienced a renaissance in November 2002 as "ROU 23 Maldonado" in the Uruguayan Navy. Only two units remained in service with the German Navy. After the "Wangerooge" was decommissioned relatively quietly on 15 July 2022, only the "Spiekeroog", which was commissioned on 14 August 1968, survived.
The Navy's deep-sea and salvage tugs provide an important support function in the Navy's day-to-day operations. In addition to their main task, they accompany and secure minesweepers and submarines during training voyages and recover mines. They are also used as a platform for divers, officer trainees and pilot survival training. In this respect, their unavailability has an impact on the operational capability of the entire fleet. By deciding to make them available on the market, the Bundeswehr is ensuring that this functionality is still available.
eBay search for "tractor"
A random search reveals the challenge. For example, Damen ST 4511, offered on an internet platform for 10.2 million US dollars, or Damen ASD Tug 3212, LOH & LOH CONSTRUCTION IDA 76m, or UNIVERSAL SHBLDG - KEIHIN 68m, and JAYA SHIPBUILDING & ENG KCM 75m, and so on. But not all of the candidates mentioned can fulfil all the requirements. The requirements for speed, berths and the installation of a 20-foot container, including the associated load-bearing capacity of the deck, combined with the age and the desired performance, are the sticking points in the selection process. The design of the propulsion system could also have a decisive effect, particularly with regard to ease of maintenance and reliability of supply.
The "Olympic Hercules" or "Thor II" shown in the picture is intended to give the reader an idea of the type of ocean-going tugboat pursued by the tender.
++++++
English 
German
0 Kommentare