The SET in Tangermünde successfully launched the working ship "Rheinau" for the port company of Mannheim. One of the oldest ships of the HGM, the supervisory and tug boat MS Rheinau, will be replaced by the new building.
The order was placed in January 2021, and the keel was laid on June 30 last year.
The »Rheinau« was specially designed for the shipping conditions on the Rhine. The shape of the ship, which was flow-optimized using CFD software, including the bulbous bow, is intended to ensure low ship resistance and wave patterns and thus efficient ship operation. The three built-in generators from Caterpillar provide the necessary energy for the built-in 285 kW electric drive motors and the other on-board electronics. The required thrust for a convoy speed of at least 13 km/h is increased by the optimized propeller and shaft system as well as the propeller nozzles.
The installed HIAB loading crane can carry out minor technical salvage work in the port area of Mannheim and the installed coupling winches and the pushing device for the light water buffalo give the 24 m long and 5.75 m wide ship the necessary pushing ship characteristics. A spacious tour room including a kitchenette and the ergonomic wheelhouse with control panel should ensure pleasant working conditions and space for the crew and visitors. It also has GPS, a bearing system, a helm station with monitors and a bow thruster for greater maneuverability.
The new building will be designed as a twin-screw workboat for cruising in Zone 3 on the Rhine. The working ship is used for long-distance travel, for supervision, for smaller technical rescue and/or support maneuvers and partly as a push boat as well as a touring vehicle.
Despite the consequences of the corona crisis and the Russian conflict, the shipyard has so far fulfilled its order, for which Managing Director Fabian Karbe expressly thanked the workforce, the suppliers and the client. The new building has been floating in the Elbe since June 8th.
