Philippine Navy Welcomes Two New Tugboats
The Philippine Navy has recently welcomed the addition of two new tugboats to its fleet. The vessels, named BRP Magat Sumulong (TB-73) and BRP Hasa-Hasa (TB-74), were delivered to the Philippine Navy during a ceremony held at the Alava Wharf in Manila on February 24, 2023. The acquisition of the new tugboats is part of the Navy’s modernization program aimed at enhancing its logistical capabilities and supporting various maritime operations. The vessels are equipped with modern technology and are capable of performing a wide range of maritime tasks, including towing, salvage, and firefighting. BRP Magat Sumulong and BRP Hasa-Hasa are each equipped with twin diesel engines that provide a combined horsepower of 4,000 horsepower. The vessels have a length of 48 meters, a beam of 12 meters, and a maximum speed of 15 knots. The tugboats will play a crucial role in supporting the Navy’s fleet maintenance and operations. They will be primarily used for towing ships and barges, assisting in harbor maneuvers, and providing salvage and recovery services. Speaking at the delivery ceremony, Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado highlighted the importance of the new tugboats in strengthening the Navy’s capabilities. He emphasized that the vessels will enable the Navy to respond more effectively to maritime emergencies and support other maritime operations. The acquisition of these new tugboats is a significant step forward for the Philippine Navy as it continues to modernize and enhance its overall capabilities. The vessels will provide the Navy with increased flexibility and operational readiness in the years to come.Philippine Navy Receives New Tugboats
Philippine Navy Receives New Tugboats
The Philippine Navy has taken delivery of two new tugboats built by Josefa Slipways Inc. in May. The ships, designated YT 027 and AT 010, were designed by Robert Allan Ltd. for the Navy’s surface ship fleet.
Technical Specifications for YT 027 Harbor Tug
* Propulsion: Two MTU 12V4000M53 diesel engines with 1380 kW power at 1800 rpm * Propellers: Schottel SRP 340 Z drives with fixed propellers (diameter: 2.1 m) * Towing winch: Palmarine aft * Ship handling/anchor winch: Palmarine forward * Crane: Guerra Marine M230.20A4 folding crane with a maximum dynamic lifting moment of 205.2 kNm
Technical Specifications for AT 010 Ocean Tug
* Propulsion: Two MTU 16V4000M63 diesel engines with 1920 kW power at 1600 rpm * Propellers: ZF W10230 reverse reduction gearboxes, with 2.5 m fixed propellers in the nozzle * Towing winch: Palmarine aft * Bit: Forward bit for light towing maneuvers * Propeller, nozzle, rudders, and shafts supplied by BT Marine * Bow thruster: Veth 600 mm diameter propeller * Crane: Guerra Marine M230.20A4 folding crane with a maximum dynamic lifting moment of 205.2 kNm
Additional Features
* Both tugs have accommodation for a crew of ten. * They share a common wheelhouse design with exceptional visibility. * During sea trials, YT 027 achieved a bollard pull of 45.8 tonnes and a free running speed of 13.1 knots. * AT 010 achieved a bollard pull of 61.1 tonnes and a free travel speed of 13.8 knots. The addition of these new tugboats enhances the Philippine Navy’s capability to perform surface ship operations and support naval missions.Two newly built tugboats have been delivered to the Philippine Navy, enhancing its capability to conduct ship-to-shore operations and provide support to naval vessels. The tugboats, named BRP Tarlac (YTM-803) and BRP Zambales (YTM-804), were constructed by Keppel Subic Shipyard in Subic Bay, Zambales. They are equipped with advanced towing and steering systems, as well as powerful engines that enable them to operate in a variety of sea conditions. Philippine Navy spokesperson Capt. Jonathan Zata said the tugboats will primarily be used to provide towing and escort services to naval vessels during exercises and operations. They can also be deployed for search and rescue operations, and to assist in the maintenance and repair of naval facilities. “These new tugboats will significantly enhance the Navy’s capability to conduct a wide range of maritime operations,” Zata said. “They will provide essential support to our naval vessels, ensuring their safe and efficient movement during missions.” The delivery of the tugboats is part of the Philippine Navy’s ongoing modernization program, which aims to upgrade its fleet and improve its operational capabilities. The program has included the acquisition of new ships, submarines, and aircraft, as well as the upgrade of existing assets. With the addition of these new tugboats, the Philippine Navy now has a total of four such vessels in its inventory. The other two tugboats are the BRP Nueva Vizcaya (YTM-801) and BRP Kalinga (YTM-802), which were also built by Keppel Subic Shipyard. The commissioning ceremony for the BRP Tarlac and BRP Zambales is scheduled to take place in the coming weeks. The ceremony will mark the formal entry of the tugboats into the Philippine Navy’s fleet.
