Exceptional ITS Convention set for Vancouver

In the intervening period this biennial event has gradually developed into a highly prestigious and important forum for the Towage & Salvage industry worldwide and Vancouver itself has become well known as a centre for innovative tug design. The organisers of ITS 2010, the ABR Company, have seen an overwhelming interest in the event from high profile speakers, delegates and exhibitors.

Out of the extraordinarily large number of papers submitted, some 33 have been selected by the event’s Steering Committee of industry pundits. In order to accommodate additional papers, one morning of the three day event is being organised as a simultaneous ‘split session format’. One session will feature a selection of ‘Green’ papers, including updates on the ‘E3 Tug’ development from Smit and Damen, feedback on the Foss Hybrid tug, and details of a project to build a prototype hydrogen powered ‘hybrid-electric’ tug from Capilano Maritime. The other half of the split session will feature papers examining salvage operations from the perspective of a cooperative approach. New ISU president, Todd Busch, and Mauricio Garrido, president of the ASA, will be among those delivering papers on that subject.

Training and safety issues will also feature strongly at ITS 2010, including a review of tug safety from John Noble and an update on the Safetug II Project from Johan de Jong of MARIN. Technical papers will include ‘Development of a High Performance Ducted Propeller’ from Niigata and Mitsui Zosen, ‘Innovation in Tug Design’ from Wärtsilä, and operating experience with high speed diesel engines, plus future requirements, from MTU.

Papers on the ‘Response to the industry in the 21st century’ from classification societies, P&I clubs and shipbrokers will also provide much food for thought, as will the keynote address by Robin Silvester, the new president and CEO of Port Metro Vancouver.

ITS 2010 will take place at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, Vancouver and is expected to attract a record number of delegates, representing every sector of the towage and salvage industry from all over the world.

Whether it is the location, a major port and one of the world’s most picturesque backdrops for tugboat activity, or simply the reputation of this event, the organisers expect that the record figures from ITS 2008 held in Singapore, which attracted 422 delegates from 48 countries, may well be exceeded by up to 20%. Over 100 firms are expected to take part in the exhibition, showcasing vessels, equipment and up to date technology relating to every aspect of tug design, construction and operation as well as salvage related matters.

By Jack Gaston