Wirral, UK-based Carmet Tug Company recently acquired an addition to their fleet in the form of a previously Spanish owned single-screw coastal tug that will sail under the Carmet flag with the name ‘Venture’.
Jack Gaston reported in this column recently on the 25th anniversary of Carmet’s management of shiphandling services on the Manchester Ship Canal (MJ April 2014) and this latest acquisition will greatly enhance the company’s capabilities, offering additional coastal towing services around the UK and near continent.
In August, Captain Brett Metcalfe, managing director of Carmet Tugs brought the previously named Trhes to the UK from Santander and its previous owners Remolques Unidos with whom it had served continuously since being built by Astander Spain in 1977. Reflecting on the passage, Captain Metcalfe stated: “… we gave her a good workout on the rough passage back over the Bay of Biscay, proving her ability as a sea boat.”
Of conventional single-screw design, the tug was re-engined in 2000 and meets the classification requirements of MCA Workboat Cat 2/60, Bureau Veritas. Main particulars of the Venture include: length 25.3m (LBP 23.12m), beam 8.26m, draft 3.92m and 106gt. Performance is quoted as 12 knots free running speed with a very useful bollard pull of 21 tons. Tank capacities include 50 tonnes of fuel oil and 20m3 of fresh water.
The (re-engined) machinery specification results in main propulsion power being provided by a single Caterpillar 3512B diesel engine developing 1,650hp at 1,800rpm. Propulsion is via a Reintjes WAF 726 gearbox driving a propeller in a fixed Kort nozzle, steering is provided by a Becker type rudder. Manoeuvrability is enhanced with the inclusion of a 100hp electro-hydraulic bow thruster. Auxiliary equipment includes two Motor Pegasus Marino (Iveko) generators each developing 117hp at 1,500rpm and two bilge/general service pumps.
When taken over by Carmet, the main towing arrangement consisted of a towing hook on a radial arm mounted at the aft end of the accommodation block. At the time of writing a suitable towing winch is being sourced for the vessel, an arrangement that will be more suited to the vessel’s intended role in coastal towing. Accommodation is provided for eight persons comprising two single cabins at main deck level and three twin bunk cabins below. Galley and sanitary facilities are also at main deck level. The master has good all-round visibility from the wheelhouse including traditional open bridge wings.
Speaking to MJ Captain Metcalfe said: “The Venture is a very well found vessel in immaculate condition and is being geared up to service the coastal towing sector around the UK and Near Continent only. In addition she will be used to train crews in the old fashioned way where seamanship is at the fore.”
By Peter Barker
