Two OST 22 tugs delivered to Saint-Malo

French shipbuilder Piriou built the vessels based on the company’s own OST30 design, with a hull of 22 metres in length by 8.5 metres wide.

They were built in the Vietnamese city of Ho Chin Minh and delivered by cargo vessel.

Concession holders EDEIS Ports de Saint-Malo and Cancale ordered the sister ships in 2022 to replace Grand Bé, which was decommissioned in 2021.

“This will allow us to meet all the service requirements of the port of Saint-Malo’s towing division (trunking, improved reception conditions for cargo vessels),” a spokesman for the port said. “The two sister ships built by the French shipbuilder will also enable the port’s towing activity to be extended to include marine works and barge transportation. Currently in the test phase, the tugs should be operational in October.”

Powered by two Azimuth thrusters driven by two high-speed marine engines with integrated hydraulic gearboxes, the vessels have fire-fighting equipment, stern winch and towing hook and fenders suitable for pushing low-freeboard barges assisting ferries.

Saint-Malo is a multi-purpose port: providing passenger, commercial, fishing and cruise services.

Its position vis-à-vis England and the Channel Islands makes it a regular crossing point for freight and passengers, with crossings to Portsmouth, Poole, Jersey and Guernsey for 750,000 passengers a year.