Signet Maritime tug will service LNG platforms

Signet Maritime has taken ownership of its ninth newly constructed tractor tug in six years, adding to its fleet of 37 conventional and ASD vessels.

The vessel, the Signet Arcturus, is a 105 ft x 38 ft Z-Drive, and was designed by Robert Allan Ltd. It was delivered by Patti Marine Enterprises on 25 May.

Caterpillar engines

The Signet Arcturus is powered by two Caterpillar model C175-16 main engines, each rated 3417 BHP at 1800 RPM. The engines are coupled to two Rolls-Royce US 255 CP azimuth thrusters via carbon fiber shafting, providing thrust for ABS certified sustained bollard pull of 83.45 t. All Caterpillar mains and John Deere 6068TFM76 generator engines aboard the vessel are US EPA Tier 3 certified for reduced emissions.

Comments

Joseph W. Dahl, VP of Signet Maritime, commented: “This technologically advanced newbuild complements Signet’s offshore towing, rig escort and subsea expansion.”

The vessel will be joined by her sister, Signet Polaris, a second ocean towing tractor tug, scheduled for delivery later this month. Both tugs will be based at Signet’s Ocean Towing Division in Port Fourchon, Louisiana for service to the offshore energy industry.

Dahl added: “Bundling the controllable pitch propeller (CPP) tractor technology with the brute strength of Signet Warhorse tugs will provide our customers the best of both worlds in strength and agility.”

LNG platforms

The vessel is equipped with fire resistant wheelhouse windows for servicing LNG and drilling platforms to ensure safety of the crew in case of fire hazard. It is USCG Inspected and is certified ABS International Air Pollution Prevention, International Oil Pollution Prevention and International Energy Efficiency for environmental compliance.

With the inclusion of the Arcturus and the Polaris, the Offshore Towing Division has increased its fleet to ten OTVs, equipping Signet to provide energy service companies with high bollard pull towing and marine movements from harbor to offshore throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/lng-shipping/17062014/signet_maritime_tug_will_service_lng_platforms_779/