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TOWLINES
17 Dec 2007
Late in November Newcastle based Osprey Shipping Ltd welcomed home their new tug 'Osprey Fighter' and barge 'Osprey Carrier'. The new vessels were constructed in China and arrived in the Tyne after a grueling and eventful delivery voyage from the Far East. The purpose built 50 tons bollard pull ASD tug and the new 4,464 dwt heavy deck cargo barge represent a considerable investment for the British company, which will employ the vessels for coastal and deep sea transportation. A full account of the new tug and barge will appear in the January 2008 issue.
The deep sea tug 'Boxer' has been sold to ship breakers at Ghent by Belgian tug owners URS. A single screw vessel of 42m in length and 3,948 bhp, the tug was powered by a Cockerill V16 main engine and controllable pitch propeller to produce a 55 tons bollard pull. Boxer and its sister ship 'Fighter' were built in 1977 and originally based in Flushing. Both were well known in the North Sea but it is understood that Fighter may eventually suffer the same fate.
Smit International has been awarded a four year contract, with options, by the Kuwait Oil Company (KSC) to provide assistance to tankers calling at their oil terminals in Kuwait. Smit will support the various tankers calling at shore terminals and a number of Single Point Moorings (SPM’s) offshore. A total of ten vessels will be deployed including three tugs of 35 to 45 tons bollard pull and two of 70 tons, three pilot boats, one mooring vessel and a self propelled work barge. The contract will commence in July 2008.
Engelsman Towage & Salvage have reported the sale of the 22m twin screw tug 'Dutch Pearl' to Silverburn Shipping Ltd, a company registered in the Isle of Man. Built in 1998, the shallow draft vessel has been renamed 'Tegan' and will operate in Russian waters. A replacement has been ordered from Damen Shipyards Hardinxveldt, with delivery scheduled for November 2008. The new tug will be a seagoing Damen Shoalbuster 3009, almost identical to the 'Giessenstroom,' which was completed for Van Wijngaarten Marine Services in January 2007 ( see Maritime Journal February 2007).
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