8/2/2017 – In September last year, De Hoop received two engineering orders from Caspian Offshore Constructions, Kazakhstan for specialized ice class shallow draft tugboats in two different propulsion versions. Since that time, De Hoop engineering team has been working behind the scenes on such design. These concepts are based on a proven design, the earlier build Iskander and Alpamys (yard numbers 419 and 420), but now with a significant higher bollard pull and several other innovative features allowing low OPEX cost (maintenance / fuel consumption, etc.) and a high reliability in the sometimes harsh conditions. The designs are now taken to a next level with incorporating the experiences of the previous vessels as well as the client specific wishes for this particular project. Presentation of these designs is awaited soon.