Photo of the The M/V Gouwestroom courtesy of v. Wijngaarden Marine Services
There is something special about workboats in the 20-meter range. Their size gives them versatility in the work from towing to pushing and anchor handling to ploughing while have the capability to handle most weather. With good design and adequate power they can run light at over ten knots.
The Netherland’s Van Wijngaarden Marine Services BV has such a boat in their fleet and they have outfitted it to handle most jobs that a client could require. The M/V Gouwestroom was built as yard number 3210 in 1998 by Scheepswerf Jac. den Breejen & Zoon B.V. of Hardinxveld-G (NLD). In 2019, her owners updated her with a repower. The old pair of GM 16V92TA were pulled out and replaced with a pair of new electronic-controlled Cummins QSK19 engines delivering 750 HP (551 kW) each at 1800 RPM. The new engines turn into Twin Disc, type MG5202 gears with 5.04:1 reduction. They turn 1500 m/m fixed pitch propellers in Kort Nozzles.
The 80 GRT (24 NT) boat is 20.7 by 6.5 meters with a molded depth of 2.58 meters. Her owners have out fitted her with hydraulic crane with a 1.7 ton capacity at 8.6 meters extension. A single-drum towing winch carries 300 meters of .32-m/m wire. She has a stern roller, a 25-ton towing hook, a capstan and push bow. An A-frame, with plow, can be fitted if required. A moon pool facilitates sub-sea work.
The tug is BV classed for unrestricted navigation and NSI for operations up to 200 miles off coast. With a full suite of electronic navigation aides and 35 cubic meters of fuel tanks, this machine epitomizes the definition of a versatile 20-meter tug.