Precise, smooth and instant steering control is important for any vessel — but particularly so for a heavy commercial tugboat that earns a living pushing and pulling heavy, valuable loads in the most challenging conditions and environments.

Industry leader, St. John’s Shipbuilders turned to Dometic Marine for their new build project. This well-respected yard specializes in the building and repair of a range of steel workboats, including ocean-going tugs, inland push boats, offshore supply vessels, ferries, cargo vessels, and others, serving clients that include commercial operations and government entities both domestic and international.

After discussing possibilities of best solution for the 25-foot, 23 tons steel-hulled commercial tugboat Iron Jac, it turned out that a purpose made Dometic Optimus EPS for inboards could be an ideal steering solution for the massive workboat.

Steve Ganoe, President of St. John’s Shipbuilders says; “When I saw Dometic’s marine steering solution for leisure boat, it came up to my mind why not to use this precise and smooth instant steering control for our workboats? Together with Dometic, we broke new ground and I’m pleased with the result.”

After the discussion, a crew of experts at Dometic Marine (formerly SeaStar Solutions) went to work to tailor the ideal EPS system for this unique, heavy commercial vessel powered by twin 325-horsepower Cummins diesel engines. The system specified using two EC5390 cylinders for a twin rudder arrangement controlled via a single helm station set up. The selected system featured an EH1572 Electronic Helm and EM1200 PCM (Pump Control Module) linked to twin EP1503 EPS Pumps and separate Smart Cylinders to control the port and starboard rudders.

Eric Fetchko, President of Dometic Marine says: “This is a somewhat unusual application for Dometic Marine’s very popular Optimus EPS system, but an entirely appropriate one. The steering capability and performance our EPS guarantees are totally relevant for large and weighty commercial vessel which need steady control in the most challenging conditions and environments.

“Our Optimus EPS Steering technology is gaining wider attention across the marine industry, and this includes the commercial maritime and workboat sector. We expect to see the commercial sector become an increasingly important part of our overall marine business.”

Note to Editors

Dometic Marine Steering System