The Russian central design and engineering bureau Stapel has completed the full scope of design work for the creation of the Project RDB50.07 pusher tug and handed over the technical documentation to the customer.
The new vessel was developed while retaining the overall dimensions of the base Project 758B (OTA-900 type), but received substantial modernization of key systems. The bureau's engineers significantly improved the ergonomics of work areas, increased the installed power of the main engines, strengthened the Register class, and introduced modern solutions in the field of ship process automation.
The tug is equipped with a bow thruster to improve maneuverability in confined waterways. The hydrodynamic properties of the hull were thoroughly verified during model tests conducted in the experimental basin of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI).
The vessel is intended for towing and pushing dry cargo convoys, including specialized barges that transport machinery with full fuel tanks and high-hazard cargoes, whether packaged or in bulk.
The calculated bollard pull parameters make it possible to tow up to four Project RDB 66.68MA barges with a total displacement of up to 15,100 tons on Class "R" and "O" waterways, and in Category "M" basins and above, up to two barges with a total displacement of no more than 7,000 tons.