This appointment follows the tragic death of Capt David Shearer late last year.

During the first week of June Svitzer Marine Ltd completed the purchase of Tyne Towage , of Devlin Quay, Wagonway Road, Hebburn, Newcastle.

Svitzer areexpected to develop the premises as a base for their local tug fleet and will retain much of the existing business to trade as Tyne Towage Marine Ltd . It is understood that the tugs in the Tyne Towage fleet will be offered for sale.

Kings Lynn Conservancy Board is to replace their small harbour tug Conservator with a new Damen 1605 tug/workboat.

The new tug, bearing the same name, will be delivered in July and will be modified to incorporate a rounded bow fender. A full description of this new vessel will appear in a future issue.

The German Government hasextended their contracts covering the provision of Emergency Towing Vessels by the Arge Kuestenschutz consortium in German waters. Contracts for both the deepsea tug Oceanic and ASD tug Fairplay 26 have been re-tendered and awarded for 2 1/2year terms with two six month options to follow. This arrangement has afforded greater security of employment for both owners and crews. Both vessels had previously been engaged on renewable six month charters.