MT Deerhound

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MT Deerhound (formerly RMAS Deerhound) is a Dog-class medium berthing tugboat built for the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS) in 1966 by Appledore Shipbuilders, Appledore, North Devon.

Deerhound escorting HMS Somerset
History
United Kingdom
NameDeerhound
Owner
OperatorRosyth Marine Services (1996 - 2011).briggs marine=2011-2019)
BuilderAppledore Shipbuilders, Appledore, North Devon
Launched22 February 1966
CompletedJune 1966
HomeportLowestoft
Identification
Nickname(s)The Mighty Deerhound
StatusActive
NotesPennant number (as RMAS vessel): A155
General characteristics
Class and typeDog class tug
Displacement
  • 241 tons (light)
  • 305 tons (full load)
Length
  • 28.65 m (94.0 ft) (overall)
  • 25.91 m (85.0 ft) (pp
Beam7.72 m (25.3 ft)
Draught3.87 m (12.7 ft)
Propulsion
  • 2 × Lister-Blackstone (ERS8) 8-cylinder diesel engines
  • 2 × propellers
  • 1,320 bhp
Speed12 knots (22 km/h)
Range2,236 nautical miles (4,000 km) at 10 knots (19 km/h)
Complement8 for RMAS use, 4 in commercial use.
Sensors and
processing systems
Radar
Notesbollard pull-17 Tons

Both Deerhound and her sister Elkhound were designed to work with the Polaris submarines of the Royal Navy and as such they are fendered all the way down the stem and part way along the keel to prevent damage to the submarines hull under water. In July 1983, during Deerhound's time with the RMAS, she met the submarine HMS Conqueror, returning from taking part in the Falklands War, where she sank the ARA General Belgrano. Deerhound helped her to berth at Faslane Naval Base.[1]

Deerhound and Elkhound were sold in 1996 and are now owned by Babcock Rosyth Defense Ltd (BRDL). They are operated for BRDL by Rosyth Marine Services who also supply a number of their own vessels and barges to BRDL for the support of the Rosyth Royal Dockyard. In late 2011 the operating contract for these vessels was taken over Briggs Marine of Burntisland. Deerhound has been sold to a private individual Aug 2019.

Deerhound is a twin screw tug with the screws driven by two Lister-Blackstone 8-cylinder diesel engines via a reversible gearbox. This along with her twin rudders gives her high manoeuvrability for a traditional tug. She has a bollard pull of 17 tonnes making her powerful enough to work with every ship in the Royal Navy as well as a variety of barges and lighters. Towing can be done via her Clyde towing hook or from her forward bits on the bow. Barges are usually lashed up alongside, with two springs and a head and stern line to allow for greater control around the dockyard.

Notes

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  1. ^ "Photograph Number FKD 31". Imperial War Museum. Retrieved 30 June 2012.

References

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