Multibeam Corporation in collaboration with Dockyard and Engineering Works Ltd., proudly announces the successful completion of five (05) 7T Bollard Pull Tugboats, which will be delivered soon to Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA). This milestone will mark a significant advancement in Bangladesh’s inland water transport sector and showcases the strength of international engineering partnerships.
Global Design and Collaboration
The Tugboats were designed by Robert Allan Ltd., Canada, a renowned global designer of high-performance Tugboats, with production design by Western Baltic Engineering, Lithuania. The project followed all design phases—Concept, Preliminary, and Contract Design—ensuring compliance with the highest international standards. This joint venture between Multibeam Corporation and Dockyard and Engineering Works Ltd. exemplifies global cooperation and shared expertise in modern shipbuilding.
Project Timeline and Development
The journey began with the contract signing on 29 August 2021. The hull construction of all these five Tugs was completed by March 2024, and machinery/equipment installation, outfitting works, insulation and paneling works were completed before February 2025. The vessels underwent rigorous sea trials and bollard pull tests by September 2025 and successfully demonstrated more than the required parameters.
Performance Excellence
During final trials, each tugboat exceeded design expectations, delivering 9.5–9.7 Tons of bollard pull—a remarkable 35% increase over the required capacity of 7 Tons—and achieving maximum speeds of 10.5–10.7 knots at 1800 RPM against contractual requirement of 10 Knots maximum speed.
These sea trial results underscore operational reliability of the vessels and the engineering precision of both Multibeam Corporation and Dockyard and Engineering Works Ltd.
Advanced Machinery and Systems
Each tugboat is powered with 2x Volvo Penta D13 Main engines (400 HP each) from Sweden, paired with 2x ZF 400 gearboxes (Gear ratio 2.057:1). The propulsion system features fixed pitch propellers with stern gear and Kort nozzles supplied by Teignbridge, UK. Electrical power is supported by Sole Diesel generators from Spain (models 68GT and 25GT). Deck machinery, including towing winches, towing hooks, and capstans, are manufactured by Fluidmecanica, Spain, ensuring robust towing capabilities. Steering gear and windlass are also from Fluidmecanica, Spain.
Safety and auxiliary systems meet international standards, featuring Minimax fixed firefighting system from Germany, fire detection system from LGM Products, UK, and life-saving appliances from Lalizas, Greece. Navigation lights are provided by DHR, Netherlands, while pumps and ventilation Fans come from Gianneschi, Italy. For navigation and communication, the vessels are equipped with ICOM radar, HF and VHF systems from Japan. Echo sounder is from JMC, Japan and DGPS from SAAB, Sweden.
Crew Comfort and Accommodation
Having designed for operational efficiency and comfort, each vessel accommodates six crew members, including a four-person crew cabin and separate master and driver cabins for two.
Commitment to Excellence
These Tugboats fully comply with LR Class requirement and IACS 99 rules and incorporate advanced systems for safety, comfort, and operational reliability. The vessels’ cutting-edge design and superior performance set a new benchmark for inland Tug operations in Bangladesh.
The successful completion of 7 Ton Bollard Pull Tugboats reflect the synergy of global design, engineering precision of Multibeam Corporation, and shipbuilding capability of Dockyard and Engineering Works Ltd. This achievement ushers in a new era of operational efficiency and enhanced support for Bangladesh’s inland waterway network.
Explore the tugboats in action—click here to watch the video: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7391367115338993664
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