SD Nimble facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | RMAS Nimble (A222) |
| Builder | Richard Dunston |
| Launched | 1985 |
| In service | 1985 |
| Out of service | 2008 |
| Status | Transferred to Serco Marine Services |
 United Kingdom |
|
| Name | SD Nimble |
| In service | 2008 |
| Out of service | Unknown |
| Identification |
|
| Status | Retired |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 384 GT |
| Length | 38.8 m (127 ft 4 in) |
| Beam | 9.42 m (30 ft 11 in) |
| Draught | 4 m (13 ft 1 in) |
| Propulsion | Two diesels, two shafts, 2,640 bhp |
| Speed | 12 kn (22 km/h; 14 mph) |
| Complement | 5 |
The SD Nimble was a special type of tugboat that helped the Naval Service of the United Kingdom. It was known as a "Twin Tractor Unit Tug." This means it had two powerful propellers that could turn in different directions, making it very good at pushing and pulling large ships.
Contents
What Was the SD Nimble?
The SD Nimble was a strong and agile tugboat. Its main job was to assist bigger naval ships. This included guiding them in and out of busy ports. It also helped move them safely around naval bases.
Life as a Tugboat
The Nimble started its service in 1985. For many years, it was part of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS). The RMAS was a group that provided support vessels to the Royal Navy.
In March 2008, the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service was closed down. After this, the Nimble continued its work. It was then operated by Serco Marine Services. This company took over many of the tasks previously done by the RMAS.
How Big Was It?
The SD Nimble was a medium-sized tugboat. It was about 38.8 meters (127 feet) long. That's roughly the length of four school buses lined up! It was also 9.42 meters (30 feet) wide.
It had a "gross tonnage" of 384 GT. Gross tonnage is a way to measure a ship's overall size. It tells you how much space is inside the ship.
Power and Speed
The Nimble was very powerful. It had two diesel engines. These engines powered two shafts, which are like long rods connected to the propellers. Together, they produced 2,640 horsepower. This power allowed the Nimble to move very large vessels.
It could travel at a speed of 12 knots. A knot is a unit of speed used for ships. Twelve knots is about 22 kilometers per hour (14 miles per hour). This was a good speed for a tugboat, allowing it to get where it needed to go quickly.
The Crew
The SD Nimble had a small crew of only five people. These skilled sailors worked together to operate the tugboat. They made sure it could safely perform its important tasks.
Retirement
The SD Nimble served the United Kingdom's Naval Service for many years. It helped countless ships and played a vital role in naval operations. Eventually, the Nimble was retired from service.
See also
- Naval Service (United Kingdom)
- List of ships of Serco Marine Services
