Navanex-developed tug HOLLYANN, can be transported on a single flatbed truck for rapid deployment to isolated worksites
Naval architecture and marine engineering firm Navanex has designed the compact tug HOLLYANN for Centurion Fondation, supporting dredging operations in remote regions of northern Canada.
The project focused on delivering a practical, road-transportable tug capable of reaching isolated worksites where marine transport and infrastructure are limited. Developed in collaboration with Forillon Shipyard, HOLLYANN was engineered as a compact yet robust vessel optimised for efficient production and rapid deployment. Delivery is scheduled for June 2026,
A central requirement of the project was the ability to transport the vessel by road. Navanex therefore developed a compact tug configuration that could be mobilized quickly to dredging and construction sites across northern Canada.
Rather than starting from a clean sheet, the engineering team focused on refining and optimizing an existing design database. This approach enabled a rapid design review process and accelerated the transition to manufacturing.
Key areas of work included:
- Optimising the vessel design to meet the operational needs of Centurion Foundation Inc.
- Implementing a production-focused, site-ready design approach
- Coordinating closely with project partners to move efficiently into manufacturing while continuing to refine the design
A defining feature of HOLLYANN is its removable cabin, which allows the vessel to be transported on a single flatbed truck. During transport, the hull and cabin are separated, enabling easier overland movement to remote locations.
With its compact dimensions and road-ready design, HOLLYANN demonstrates how practical engineering solutions can support marine operations in challenging and remote environments.
Main specifications of the small tug HOLLYANN:
- Recorded length: 12.3 m (40′ 4”)
- Width: 3.65 m (12′)
- Depth: 1.89 m (6′ 2”)
- Draft: 1.22 m (4′)
- Gross tonnage: 13.58 tonnes
- Travel class: Near the coast, class 2 (to be confirmed with Transport Canada)
- Ice class (optional)
- Propulsion: 2 x Cummins QSL9, 330 HP @ 1800 RPM
The project was carried out in partnership with Chantier Naval Forillon, with coordination aimed at ensuring seamless integration between design and manufacturing. This approach, focused on efficiency and rapid production, allows for quick progress while continuously improving the design where relevant, in order to deliver a vessel that meets the client’s expectations and is adapted to its operational context.
Partners involved:
- Forillon Shipyard
- Jean-Nil P. Morissette (revision of mechanical engineering)
- Pierre-Émile Côté (site project manager)
Navanex team
- Hubert Simard – Naval Engineer
- Christophe Egger – Technical Supervisor
- Charles Vézina and Amine Ali – Naval Architecture Technicians
- Mathieu Trudeau – Naval Designer
