The vessel will be used principally for ship-handing and will have a flying bridge for enhanced visibility, a substantial bow fender and a Britannia quick release tow hook with a safe working load of 20 tonnes.

A limited fire fighting capability will be provided by a single monitor mounted adjacent to the flying bridge capable of delivering 100m 3of water per hour.

Comfortable accommodation for crew will be fitted out to a high standard in a manner ensuring that fatigue is kept to a minimum. Two single sleeping cabins will be located forward of a well-equipped galley and a mess area will be provided in the wheelhouse.

The tug will replace the existing tug/workboat Plym Echo and will be used for towage and general duties in the Plymouth Harbour area. Captain Tim Charlesworth, Cattewater Harbour Master, said 'The Harbour Commission was particularly pleased to have selected VT Halmatic to provide an upgrade to its existing harbour tug. Both Victoria Wharves and Cattedown Wharves (privately operated terminals in the harbour) are progressively handling larger vessels as clients seek to maximise efficiency in their operations.

The new vessel will be able to meet their requirements as well as providing escort duties for the product tankers which ship in over 1 million tonnes of refined oil products through the port each year. The compact dimensions of the vessel, together with a large bollard pull, make her ideally suited to local conditions'.