Multraship is supplying the Netherlands Coastguard with emergency tugs for North Sea windfarms.
The tender to supply two Emergency Rescue & Towing Vessels (ERTVs) came into effect on 1 July 2022 and it will last for 4.5 years, with options for extensions.
“With the arrival of the emergency tugs, we have found a good way to limit the safety risks associated with these offshore windfarms for shipping in the years ahead,” said Nicole Kuipers, Director of the Coastguard.
“In particular, the Borssele and Hollandse Kust wind farms are surrounded by shipping lanes and anchorage areas. This will be the primary focus of the deployment of these two extra ERTVs.”
Increased safety
Multraship Commander (formerly ALP ACE) will be stationed at the Borssele windfarm. From 1 August, Multraship Protector (formerly ALP IPPON) will be on standby for the Hollandse Kust windfarms.
The two vessels will join ERTV Guardian, previously deployed by Multraship from its home port Den Helder, which has been monitoring the safety of shipping in the northern section of the North Sea since 2016.
As with ERTV Guardian, the operations of the two new ERTVs will also directed by the Coastguard.
The vessels can intervene 24/7 from strategic positions in the North Sea to provide assistance to drifting vessels and vessels in distress in order to prevent damage to the vessel and the windfarms and to take any victims on board.
In addition to being used as tugs, the vessels can also be used in search and rescue operations.
Multraship is part of the Muller Maritime Group, with its head offices in Terneuzen. Its core activities include harbour towage, salvage and wreck removal, ocean towage and services to the offshore-energy and dredging industries.
