SD Powerful facts for kids
RMAS Powerful at HMNB Portsmouth, 2006
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United Kingdom |
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| Name | RMAS Powerful (A223) |
| Builder | Richard Dunston |
| Launched | 1985 |
| In service | 1985 |
| Out of service | 2008 |
| Homeport | HMNB Portsmouth |
| Status | Transferred to Serco Marine Services |
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | SD Powerful |
| In service | 2008 |
| Homeport | HMNB Devonport |
| Identification |
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| Status | Active |
| 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 Powerful is a special kind of boat called a Twin Tractor Unit Tug. It helps the Royal Navy in the United Kingdom. This tugboat was built in 1985. It used to be run by the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service until 2008. Now, Serco Marine Services operates it.
Contents
What Does SD Powerful Do?
The SD Powerful is a powerful tugboat. Its main job is to help big ships move around. It can push or pull large naval vessels. This includes aircraft carriers and warships. It makes sure these big ships can safely leave and enter ports. It also helps them dock.
The SD Powerful works for the United Kingdom's Naval Service. This service includes the Royal Navy. Tugboats like the SD Powerful are very important. They help keep naval operations running smoothly. Without them, it would be much harder to move large ships.
A Brief History of the Tug
The SD Powerful was built in 1985. It was made by a company called Richard Dunston. For many years, it was part of the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service (RMAS). The RMAS was a group that supported the Royal Navy.
Changing Hands
In March 2008, the Royal Maritime Auxiliary Service was closed down. The SD Powerful then moved to a new owner. It was transferred to Serco Marine Services. This company now operates the tugboat. It continues its important work for the Royal Navy.
How Big is SD Powerful?
The SD Powerful is a good-sized tugboat. It is about 38.8 meters (about 127 feet) long. That's roughly the length of four school buses lined up! It is also 9.42 meters (about 31 feet) wide.
Power and Speed
This tugboat has two diesel engines. These engines give it a lot of power. They help it push and pull very heavy ships. The SD Powerful can travel at a speed of up to 12 knots. This is about 22 kilometers per hour (14 miles per hour).
The Crew
The SD Powerful needs a small crew to operate it. It usually has a team of 5 people on board. They work together to steer the tug and manage its powerful engines.
See also
- Naval Service (United Kingdom)
- List of ships of Serco Marine Services
