The ZWARTE ZEE commissioned in 1963 is a single screw, ocean-going motortug with a gross tonnage of 1539 tons. Built by J K Smit's Scheepswerven N.V. at Kinderdijk, Holland to class Lloyd's Register 100 A 1 Tug.
Her main dimensions are: Length O.A.: 77.50m; Length B.P.P.: 68.5m; Beam: 12.35m; Depth: 6.9m; Draft: 5.75m. The propelling machinery, located midships, is comprised of two Smit m.A.N. turbo charged diesel engines, four stroke, single acting, direct reversible, with a combined output of 9,000 HP. These engines drive a single propeller shaft through Vulcan fluid couplings and reduction gear. If quick manoeuvring is desired, one engine may be run ahead while the other engine is running astern.
The reversing of the direction of rotation of the propeller may then be attained by simply clutching either one of the engines to the gear. The free running speed exceeds 18 knots. The tug's large bunker capacity enables her to perform ocean towing with heavy objects over very long distances without having to refuel en route
Three generator sets of 240 kW each supply 220 Volt direct current, while for emergency cases an additional 20 kW compressor generator set is installed. Adjacent to the engine room is a workshop equipped with various machine tools: lathe, shaping machine, grinding machine, drilling machine, welding units, as well as a welding converter which can be used in underwater cutting or welding. The ZWARTE ZEE is equipped with two fiberglass boats, each with a capacity of 40 persons. For the transport of materials, etc. during salvage operations, the tug carries a work boat which is lowered by means of a hydraulic crane.
The ZWARTE ZEE is a 1:90 scale model of ABS construction, is suitable for radio control, and comes with all required fittings.
