The proprietor of Spithead Trading, Geoff Yell, purchased the tug shortly after it and several of its sister ships were declared redundant in 1986. After a very short time the name Goliath was adopted and the not inconsiderable task of bringing the vessel up to seagoing standards was undertaken. A whole host of modifications, some of a very basic nature, had to be carried out simply to enable the new acquisition to leave the Mersey. These included anchors, hawse pipes, sea-doors and improved navigational and communications equipment.

During the succeeding decade Goliath has been progressively modified in order to fulfill the demands of the coastal and marine civil engineering industry. One of the very first additions was a twin drum towing and anchor handling winch and later a powerful bow thruster and fire fighting and salvage equipment. Over the years the tug has worked extensively on beach and shoreline improvement projects around the UK and for a time the name Goliath became almost synonymous with the delivery of rock to the various sites. In contrast to spending much of her time close inshore with a very few feet of water under its keel, the tug has traveled as far north as Norway, to many ports in western Europe, and south to the Mediterranean.

joins the fleet of Griffin Towage & Marine and will remain in service much as before. The company intends to keep the present name and re-register the tug under the British flag. There are also plans for substantial upgrades to further enhance its operating efficiency and performance. The existing fleet comprises the single screw tugs Kingston (ex Sun XXIV 1992, 23 tons BP, 13.5 knots); Princeton (ex Kapitan Engler, 2005, 21 tons BP, 12.5 knots); and Chiefton, (ex Seamaid, 2006, 8 tons BP, 10 knots).

The Spithead Trading Company will continue to operate with its marine plant out of their present base in Lowestoft and have plans to modernize and operate the tug Gluvias in the coastal market.

By JACK GASTON