Explore the ALP Striker, the ultimate oceangoing tug designed for ultra-long towing. Learn about its advanced capabilities and specifications.. The ALP Striker is a groundbreaking vessel that sets new standards for ultra-long towing distances and offshore operations. Built in 2016 and owned by ALP Maritime Services, this Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel has been specifically designed to tow very large structures like oil rigs and Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs) over vast distances. Whether crossing oceans or operating in harsh environments, the ALP Striker ensures that these operations are completed with maximum efficiency, safety, and reliability.
Vessel Overview and Specifications
The ALP Striker boasts a robust design developed in collaboration with Ulstein Design & Solutions AS, featuring the SX157 design and Ulstein’s innovative X-BOW® hull design. Its impressive specifications make it one of the most capable long-distance towing vessels in the world.
- Length: 88.9 meters
- Beam: 21 meters
- Deadweight: 4,250 tonnes
- Draught (max): 8.5 meters
- Max Speed: 19 knots
- Accommodation: 35 persons on board
- Deck Area: 550 square meters
The vessel’s dynamic performance is further enhanced by its 312.4t bollard pull, confirmed during sea trials in March 2020, surpassing its earlier trial results of 309.6t. This immense towing capability, combined with a maximum speed of over 19 knots, makes the ALP Striker ideal for ultra-long towing missions across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans without the need for refueling stops.
Advanced Capabilities for Offshore Towing
The ALP Striker is built to tow the largest offshore structures, such as oil rigs and FPSOs, from the building yard to the offshore installation site. With a fuel capacity that allows full-power towing for up to 45 days, the vessel is equipped to handle some of the most demanding long-distance towing tasks in the world.
Key features that enhance the vessel’s towing and offshore capabilities include:
- Dynamic Positioning (DP2): Ensures precise positioning during offshore installations.
- Anchor Handling Capacity: Provides additional support for anchoring during the installation and hook-up phases.
- Three-Drummed Winch (400t Capacity): A powerful winch system designed for heavy-duty anchor handling and towing.
- Stern Roller and Chain Lockers: Equip the vessel for handling rig chains and anchoring systems efficiently.
The ALP Striker’s ability to tow large structures over long distances is complemented by its adaptability to different marine environments. It is classified by DNV (Det Norske Veritas) with multiple certifications, including:
- Clean Design
- Ice Class 1B for operations in icy and restricted waters
- Offshore Service Vessel +, Anchor Handling, Towing, E0, SF, FiFi II
- Dynamic Positioning (DYNPOS-AUTR)
These notations ensure the vessel’s ability to operate in some of the most challenging and remote locations globally, including Arctic waters.
Commitment to Sustainability and Efficiency
Environmental considerations have been at the core of the ALP Striker’s design. The vessel is equipped with fuel-efficient engines and systems that minimize its environmental impact, adhering to Clean Design standards set by DNV. Its large fuel capacity (3,400 m3) and advanced fuel management systems enable long-distance towing operations while maintaining fuel efficiency.
This commitment to sustainability extends to operational efficiency, with the ALP Striker able to perform tasks with minimal downtime. The vessel’s robust construction ensures it can handle heavy towing missions with ease, while its design reduces fuel consumption, ensuring that each mission is completed in an eco-friendly and cost-effective manner.
History and Achievements
The ALP Striker has built an impressive operational record since its delivery in September 2016. It was quickly recognized for its capabilities, being shortlisted for the “Support Vessel of the Year” award at the OSJ conference in 2017. The vessel’s performance during sea trials, where it achieved a bollard pull of 309.6t, solidified its position as one of the most powerful oceangoing tugs available.
In March 2020, the vessel was contracted by Premier Oil for operations in the North Sea, providing an opportunity to renew its bollard pull certificate in Norway, where it recorded an even higher bollard pull of 312.4t.
A Part of the ALP Future Class Fleet
The ALP Striker is part of the ALP Future Class fleet, which consists of four vessels, each designed with similar capabilities:
- ALP Striker (Delivered September 2016)
- ALP Defender (Delivered June 2017)
- ALP Sweeper (Delivered October 2017)
- ALP Keeper (Delivered February 2018)
These vessels are equipped with DP2, ultra-long-distance towing capabilities, and anchor handling capacity. They share the ability to handle the decommissioning, offshore installation, and relocation of large offshore structures such as FPSOs, FLNGs, and drill rigs.
Conclusion
The ALP Striker is a world-class oceangoing tug designed to excel in long-distance towing and offshore installation tasks. Its robust design, superior towing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability make it an invaluable asset for operators handling large offshore structures. With its DNV Clean Design and Ice Class certifications, the vessel is equipped to handle some of the most challenging and environmentally sensitive operations in the marine industry.
As part of the ALP Future Class, the ALP Striker continues to demonstrate its excellence in performance, efficiency, and safety, establishing itself as a key player in the offshore maritime industry. Whether towing across oceans or assisting in complex offshore installations, the ALP Striker is truly the ultimate choice for long-distance towing operations.
For more information on the ALP Striker and other vessels in the ALP Future Class, visit ALP Maritime Services.
