One of the new generation of Dutch tugs, the Fairmount Sherpa, a much simpler design, but a super tug with 205 tons of bollard pull. There are presently five of these babies.
What I meant with âsimplerâ was the accommodation, the superstructure which is quite impressive of the Smitwijs Singapore. I donot see much crew accommodation on the Fairmount Sherpa. Technically the new tugs are of course superior and more versatile.
I MAY have some pictures of the accommodations, if not on the Sherpa, then one of the sisters. But give me some time to check. (I have inspected a few of them, incl. Sherpa)
Pity that the old Smit tug had to go, but they became uneconomical, even after some fairly major upgrades done towards the end.
Well you are aware that when talking to âda buggeâ, itâs all about the performance of the equipment. Crew concerns and comfortable berthing are ancillary.
This remark reminds me of some of the American offshore vessel designs which didnât seem to have any portholes in the deckhouse. Sure, youâre not supposed to spend your time staring out from the window, but it still gives a certain impression about the crew comfortâŚ
In one of our designs, the captain commented that he has never been a cabin with four 55 by 40 inch double panorama windows, one of which was placed on an inclined front bulkhead so that while laying on the bed, you could look up and see the sky.
I am increasingly curious about the crew accommodation. The tugs were built in Japan were they are used to small spaces. A Japanese once told me that his tiny living room had its advantages because while sitting in the middle he could reach the television, the stereo system, the book shelf etc.
Sorry. I have searched my files but it appears I have only been doing tow related surveys on the Fairmount tugs. Lots of pictures from the bridge, deck and engine room, but none of the accommodations:
As far as I can remember the accommodations were of good European standard, for a total of 36 pers., with a regular marine crew of 12 in 6 x single cabins, 3 x double cabins according to specs. (24 Riding crew in 4-men cabins)
If you have read anything of what I have written you should know that is not the case. On the contrary.
I still remember vividly coming on board my first American flag OSV as Navigator and being assigned an upper bunk in a tiny cabin with steel bunks and lockers, painted bulkheads with no panelling and no port hole. A hole had been cut through the bulkhead to fit an A/C window unit, which was blowing directly at my bunk. Galley and mess room combined and wooden benches to sit on quickly changed any illusion I may have had about American high standard.
Present owner Boskalis is changing the name of all their vessel to Boka xxxxx. I know the F.Sherpa have changed, not sure about the rest of the former Fairmount fleet.
Even modern American OSVs still feature plenty of 4 man rooms. A junior officerâs cabin on a box ship would house 8 on an OSV or OSV-based specialty vessel.