Tugs & Salvage

Each month MJ looks at recent tug orders and deliveries, this month’s content involves just four orders of interest – writes Peter Barker.

With a global operation Kotug had to adapt to Covid-19, including the very human side of how seafarers were affected by disrupted crew changes.

In a project already underway, 480 CCTV cameras and a local internet network are being installed across Wilson Sons’ Brazilian tug fleet.

Griffin Towage has announced an important addition to its fleet in the ex MTS tug MTS Victory now renamed GT Victory.

Directors and staff at Targe Towing are mourning the tragic loss of one of their longest serving tug masters in a rail accident in a remote area of Scotland.

With just three deliveries and three orders of note this month we can examine some interesting items of news in more detail.

Sanmar Shipyards has announced it is to discontinue its successful Sanmar, Dogançay and Ulupinar series of tugs.

Rotterdam-based Tug Training & Consultancy (TTC) has signed an MoU with South African Maritime Training Academy (SAMTRA) to train tug masters, ship pilots and captains.

Boluda Towage has reported its part in the North Sea Port nautical partnership, handling the world’s largest container ship and a rebranding for one of its deepsea tugs.

Terneuzen-based Multraship Towage & Salvage has carried out a double tow of ex French naval vessels to Ghent in Belgium for recycling.

Despite Covid-19 disruptions, this month’s look at the world of tug construction has news of no fewer than 32 vessels either delivered or recently ordered.

Hoofddorp, the Netherlands-based ship designer OSD-IMT has expanded its range of tugs with the unveiling of a new multi-purpose tractor tug design.

Svitzer has announced three contract extensions and a new towage service provision agreement demonstrating the global reach of major tug operators.

High-profile shipping casualties attract the mainstream media with little mention of potential disasters averted through timely professional salvage intervention including a handful mentioned here.

Kotug International BV has completed the acquisition of offshore marine and terminal services provider Marsol International Ltd.

Three Port of Bristol tugs have assisted in extinguishing a fire on a shoreside crane while loading a bulk carrier carrying barley for export.

Kongsberg Maritime’s azimuth thrusters have been selected to power a fully electric shiphandling tug, the first of its kind in the world.

Vital support sectors of the maritime world affected by Covid-19 are having to adopt new ways of operating in a world facing severe restrictions.

Swiss technology company ABB Group has outlined its involvement in the newbuilding LNG-powered tug under construction for operation in the Port of Singapore.

Seven new tug deliveries held over from last month from Damen Shipyards Group are examined here including a closer look at the design types and new owners.