The client

Manitoba Hydro is one of the largest energy utilities in Canada, providing Electricity and Natural Gas to customers in Manitoba and the mid-western US.

The brief

Manitoba Hydro operates a tug boat and barge, based in Notigi, MB, for the purpose of transporting materials and equipment between Notigi and Missi Falls, MB. Both the tug and the barge were nearing the end of their functional life when CMDL was contracted to investigate solutions and design one new push tug and one new sectional barge to replace the existing ones.

CMDL delevoped a 10.5m long-range and shallow-draft push tug by carefully listening to its client’s needs and by observing current operations.

The design

The 13.5m Push Tug (Jessica Coy) is designed around the principles of simplicity, reliability and range.

The Vessel is powered by two 145kW High Speed John Deere 6068 Diesel Engines, each driving a fixed pitch propeller through a single reduction reversing gearbox. The propellers are enclosed by high performance nozzles produced by Nautican. Great maneuverability is achieved with two sets of triple rudders fitted after the nozzles and hydraulically operated through a manual helm pump directly coupled to the wheel. This arrangement allows the tug to operate without electrical power. Electrical power is supplied by a 25kW Yanmar Generator. The Vessel is fitted with two heavy duty push knees at the bow and manual winches to tie the barge up.

Accommodation is provided for up to four crew for a extended periods. The Vessel has a fuel capacity of 5540 litres and fresh water capacity of 1200 litres.