MT Deerhound

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The Deerhound is a "Dog Class," medium berthing tugboat built for the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS) in 1966 by Appeldore's in Devon, UK.

She, and her sister Elkhound 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. Both the Deerhound and 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.

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 makes her quite manoeuvrable for a traditional tug. She has a bollard pull of 17 tonnes which means she is 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

MT Deerhound escorting HMS Somerset

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