TOWLINES

It may be one of the smallest vessels in Damen’s range but there are no shortage of customers for the popular and versatile tug suited to a wide range of functions.

Classed by BV, this Romanian flagged example is powered by two Caterpillar C18 diesels developing 1,216bhp (894bkW). Twin Kaplan II fixed-pitch propellers turn within 1.35m Van de Giessen “Optima” nozzles producing a useful 16.4tbp. A streamlined rudder is positioned behind each propeller. A 25ton SWL Mampaey disc type towing hook is provided on the after deck.

Marcon International have reported the sale of the 300^th tug brokered by the US based shipbroker and the 1,351^st sale or charter since their sale of a classic 1950’s built supply boat in the early 1980’s. This recent sale concerns the US flag, twin-screw tug Pacific Patriot (ex Pacific King) from Kirby Marine Offshore to US West Coast buyers on private terms.

From the yard of Main Iron Works in 1980, Pacific Patriot was one of seven “Super D” class, advanced design, medium size tugs built originally for PacTow: three of the class were built for Foss Maritime. Twin Caterpillar engines developing 1,700bhp drive fixed-pitch propellers with a bollard pull figure of 26 tons.

The MCA’s Orkney based ETV Herakles recently stood by a Dutch cargo vessel following a small engine room fire. The anchor handler Olympic Octopus also responded after the Myrte with nine crew on board was left drifting in the Fair Isle channel following the incident.

The Herakles stood by the vessel until another tug, Shetland Islands Towage’s Voith tractor Tystie, based at Sullom Voe arrived and took the Myrte in tow for Lerwick. The cargo vessel was on passage from Invergordon to Lerwick when the fire occurred.

Clydeport have been fined £650,000 for health and safety failures following the tragic loss of the tug Flying Phantom with the loss of three of its crew. The tug capsized in thick fog on the River Clyde in 2007 while providing routine assistance to a bulk carrier. Clydeport had originally denied the charges but subsequently changed its plea to guilty.

Around the same time it was announced that a fatal accident inquiry into the deaths of the three men would not be held, the Lord Advocate stating that the reasons for the accident had been established in recent criminal cases. Gary Aitken, head of the health and safety division of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service was reported as saying the decision not to hold an inquiry had been made following consultation with the families of the three men who died. A Marine Accident Investigation Report into the tragedy was published in December 2007.

By Peter Barker