Case Study: Robert Allan Ltd designs versatile icebreaking tug for the Port of Toronto with Cummins power

Robert Allan Ltd - Customer Case Study

Robert Allan Ltd, working for Ports Toronto, needed a new versatile tug to replace the 45-year-old William Rest after hull damage and to support a wide range of port operations, including dredging support, icebreaking, and assistance to Toronto Police and Toronto Fire Service marine units. The challenge was to design a compact single-screw vessel that could handle these duties while meeting a set budget and technical requirements.

Robert Allan Ltd developed the design for the new tug, Iron Guppy, and helped Hike Metals win the tender. The solution used a single Cummins QSK19-M Tier 3 engine producing 750 HP and about six tons of bollard pull, with ice-class features for safer winter operation. The tug was designed to break six-inch ice continuously and up to ten inches by ramming, while still maintaining efficient year-round harbor performance and excellent all-around visibility.

Robert Allan Ltd