VULKAN supplys products for new tugs of VectRA 3000 class

(Herne, March 2016) Vulkan delivers mounting solution, couplings and composite shaft for recently launched VectRA 3000 class tug.

The new and innovative VectRA 3000 class tug is a high performance VSP (Voith Schneider propeller) Tractor tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd in close collaboration with Turkish ship builder Sanmar and Voith Turbo Propulsion. The tug is designed for maximum efficiency in the performance of towing, harbour ship-handling and escorting of large ships.

Targeting a smaller, lighter and less costly solution than the traditional drive system this unique propulsion arrangement features high speed diesel engines connected to the Voith units via reduction gearboxes with integral clutches and VULKAN composite shafts instead of medium speed engines and turbo couplings.

In-depth calculations and simulations show that the combination of a highly flexible VULKARDAN E 6012 coupling between engine flywheel and gearbox and 3,4 m shaftline consisting of a VULKARDAN G 6212 in conjunction with a composite shaft turned out to be the best solution for the special demands of this sophisticated driveline. This offers the optimization of the torsional behavior during every operational stage, facing the special challenge that without the turbo coupling there is no smooth acceleration of the rather huge inertia of the VSP when the clutch is engaged.

VULKAN’s supply is completed by 6 off T60-HA-DS mounts under each engine.

The first vessel in the VectRA 3000 series, the M/T Ares, built for Italian tug Owner Tripmare S.p.A., was successfully launched at Sanmar’s new Altinova advanced shipbuilding facility in February 2016