TOWLINES

Alfons Håkans has 23 years’ experience working with the Keveri family business which operates in France, UK, the Netherlands and Baltic Sea region and Sea Courier OÜ’s assets will be combined with Håkans’ tug, barge and workboat fleet. The combined fleet will include dredgers, split hopper and flat top barges, strengthened by Alfons Håkans extensive fleet of over 50 tugs and workboats along with its own barges.

Proving age is no barrier to service, Wagenborg Towage has given a new lease of life to its near 50-year-old tug Waterpoort with the installation of a selective catalyst reduction system.

Built in 1962, Waterpoort is still equipped with its original Stork Werkspoor 850hp engine and while still going strong has been overtaken by strict emissions regulations. The modification will reduce nitrogen emissions by 85% permitting its continued use on inland waterways. As well as inland towage activities Wagenborg also has a fleet of seagoing tugs up to 60tbp, barges and a 300t sheerlegs.

International law firm Wikborg Rein is expanding its marine casualty and emergency response team with the appointment of Admiralty Manager Matt Berry.

Mr Berry served both afloat and ashore with James Fisher and Shell respectively in the coastal product tanker and oil and gas sectors before spending time in the admiralty department of Ince. He has ‘extensive experience’ with casualty claims including a specialist knowledge of LNG operations and in his role Mr Berry will investigate and handle ship casualty cases as well as helping expand the company’s existing admiralty practice

The steam driven, 117-year-old preserved tug Daniel Adamson is set to return to service offering short trips in the river Weaver following installation of new propeller shaft bearing by Thordon Bearings Inc.

Initially, just one bearing was planned to be installed following loss of a propeller but it was agreed that both shaft bearings should be replaced with 203mm diameter SXL bearings for each shaft. Daniel Adamson is a charity supported by volunteers with a limited budget but it was considered prudent to carry out the replacement so soon after the tug’s restoration three years earlier. The vessel is currently in winter lay-up and expected to resume service in the spring of this year.

By Peter Barker