Frederikshavn, 1 July 2005. MAN B&W Diesel A/S, Denmark, has been awarded the contract to supply a twin L21/31 propulsion engine package for a 30 m Italian tractor tug newbuilding. After a total sale of 280 units, with the majority dedicated to GenSet applications and propulsion of coastal tankers and general cargo vessels, the 1000 rpm L21/31 engine design now debuts in a tractor tug application.

The tug construction has started at the Italian shipyard Rosetti Marino SpA, Ravenna, for the Livorno-based Neri Group. Fratelli Neri SpA, owns and operates a large fleet of various tugs, supply vessels, floating cranes and barges, from various locations along the Italian east coast.

The propulsion engines will be delivered from Denmark for installation at the yard during the month of August. The finalised tractor tug is scheduled to be delivered to the owner around the end of the year.

Each nine-cylinder L21/31 engine is specified to an MCR rating of 2025 kW, and will drive a Schottel controllable pitch (SRP) rudder propeller unit. Additionally, the engines will each power an Advance/Asug gearbox, driving hydraulics and firefighting pumps, via a front-end PTO.

Principal Particulars:
Loa                        31.27 m
Lpp                        28.94 m
Beam                     11.50 m
Depth                      4.00 m
Draught                     3.4 m
Engine power  2 x 2025 kW
Speed                    13 knots
Propeller diam       2600 mm
Class                     RINA