TOWLINES

GPS Iona’s refit and life-extension programme included a new propeller shaft, extensive hull re-plating along with fender and accommodation upgrading all intended to equip the tug for work on the Thames Tideway Tunnel project. GPS Alert is the new 35kph “fleet support launch” that will help GPS Marine manage health and safety and ISM along with running repairs and maintenance on its Thames fleet of tugs and barges.

Following selection of Robert Allan Ltd’s RAmparts 2800-DF dual-fuel shiphandling tug to join the Singapore fleet of PSA Marine, builder PaxOcean China has held the keel laying ceremony for the “trend-setting” new tug.

Robert Allan Ltd is now firmly established as a world leader in the design of LNG-fuelled tugs with the RAstar 4000-DF for Østensjø Rederi of Norway and the RAstar 3800-DF for Ningbo Port China in its lists of references. The ceremony was attended by Mr Peter Chew and Mr Lim Bock Kee from PSA Marine.

Ijmuiden-based Tschudi Offshore & Towage has cited “continuing dismal offshore market conditions” for completion of its programmed disposal of all vessels operated by the company.

Consequentially, all its companies involved in ship-owning and related services have now been closed. However Tschudi Offshore & Towage Holding BV and Tschudi Ship Management Holland BV will continue to offer commercial and technical services from the same office. Two notable disposals took place earlier in 2018 when it sold the powerful anchor-handling tugs ITC Chinook and ITC Cyclone. Other significant vessels previously operated by Tschudi have included the Damen-built PSVs World Emerald and World Sapphire.

Following the earlier agreement with Teekay Shipping Australia Pty Ltd to re-shape its structure KT Maritime Services Australia Pty Ltd has reported a change in its name.

Earlier in 2018 Kotug Australia and Teekay Shipping Australia concluded a deal to change their arrangement from a 50/50 joint venture to a full subsidiary of the Kotug group. Consequentially, KT Maritime Services (Prelude) Pty Ltd and KT Maritime Services (Bayu Undan) Pty Ltd have been renamed Kotug Maritime Services (Prelude) Pty Ltd and Kotug Maritime Services (Bayu Undan) Pty Ltd. Current business addresses remain the same.