GALLERY: ALP’s third ocean-going tug launched in Japan

The third of overall four ultra-long distance towing and anchor handling vessels built for Dutch shipping company ALP Maritime Services has been launched in Japan.

Niigata Shipyard, responsible for the construction of four Ulstein-designed AHTS vessels, launched ALP Sweeper during a ceremony held May 7.

ALP said the vessel would be further completed during the coming months at the quayside of the yard, next to sister vessels ALP Striker and ALP Defender and later on ALP Keeper.

The first of the ALP Future-class AHTS’, ALP Striker was launched in October, 2015 and is expected to be delivered in 2016.

The vessels measure 88.9 m in length and 21 m in the beam. They have a deadweight of approximately 4,250t and an estimated bollard pull of 306 tonnes.

According to the Norway-based shipdesigner Ulstein, the vessel can perform non-stop Trans-Atlantic/Indian, Pacific Ocean towing operations without fuel calls thanks to a fuel capacity of 3,500t.

To remind, Teekay acquired ALP in February 2014, and, as part of the transaction, the two ordered four towing and anchor handling vessel newbuildings from Niigata Shipbuilding & Repair.

Offshore Energy Today Staff