 The award-winning Z-Tech™ Class tugs were initially developed specifically for PSA Marine of Singapore. The design incorporates the best handling and operational characteristics of both Z-drive tractor tugs and Azimuthing Stern-Drive (ASD) or "pusher" tugs. The Z-Tech™ class tugs are designed primarily for operation in major ports and marine terminals. The design of the Z-Tech™ tug emphasizes the safe and capable operation of ship-handling operations with large ships, particularly those with extreme flares. The Z-Tech™ design offers omni-directional performance; speed and Bollard Pull astern are almost equal to that going ahead.
The most unique feature of the Z-Tech™ tug is the relationship of sheer distribution to the working deck areas, and the location of the deckhouse and wheelhouse in relation to the "working end". Emphasizing the need to work in either a push or pull mode under the flared ends of large container ships and car carriers, the Z-Tech™ has a flat forward sheer, and a wide, heavily fendered bow. The wheelhouse is set well aft and inboard, offering excellent visibility over the entire working deck and to the sides of the tug, ensuring that there is almost zero risk of contact with a ship when working. With the low bow, the tug is then expected to make transit or open water voyages stern-first in the "tractor mode". In this configuration, the Z-Tech™ tug then can also function efficiently with only one winch, located for maximum efficiency for both ship-handling and towing operations. To ensure good sea-keeping capability, the stern has a strong vertical sheer, and is much more rounded than in a typical tug, presenting a "sea-going" stern. The underwater hull however is essentially identical to that of other ASD tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd.
The Z-Tech™ tugs are classified according to their Bollard Pull, however are adaptable to a range of powers and engine types in each size. The current range of fully-developed Z-Tech™ designs is as follows:
Z-Tech 2800™
60 tonnes Bollard Pull
|
 |
Z-Tech 4500™
45 tonne Bollard Pull |
 |
Z-Tech 6000™
60 tonne Bollard Pull |
 |
Z-Tech 7000™
70 tonne Bollard Pull |
 |
Z-Tech 7500™
75 tonne Bollard Pull |
 |
|
