Towlines
Rynwaal Shipyards (an associate of Shipyard K Damen )has purchased three former US Army tugs on behalf of the Nigerian Port Authority . The tugs arrived in Hardinxveldt in August under their own power bearing the new names Balali (ex: LT1960 ), Irrua (ex: LT 2081 ) and Ogmoboso ( LT 2092 ). It is understood that the tugs are required as part of a major overhaul and refurbishment programme being carried out by the shipyard for the Nigerian PA – a project involving some 32 vessels. The tugs first sold from the US Army Depot at Hythe in 2002 have been laid up in Southampton. All three of the 30.48m single screw vessels were re-conditioned at Hythe in 1995 and fitted with 2150bhp EMD main engines, new gearboxes and fixed nozzles.
Operating results for Smit International NV show a slight rise in profits for in the first six months of 2004. The Harbour Towage Division and related maritime services are reported to be performing well – with operating results for the first half of 2004, excluding exceptional items of 4.0m (first half of 2003: 3.4m). The improved situation, compared to last year, was caused mainly by higher turnover from group companies in Canada and Panama. In Rotterdam harbour, a lower result than last year was achieved as a result of higher cost levels that could not be compensated for by the higher turnover. On this basis, Smit expects that the favourable developments in the Harbour Towage Division will continue in the second half of 2004.
The hull of the new Damen Shoalbuster 2609 under construction for Maritime Craft Services (Clyde) Ltd was put in the water in Gdansk on 27 August prior to being towed to Hardinxveld for completion.
Built to the latest Shoalbuster design, the vessel will be powered by Caterpillar 3508B TA diesels producing a total of 2200 bhp for a bollard pull of approximately 30 tonnes.
Delivery is expected towards the end of the year.
Subsearch Marine Services Ltd of Newhaven has now disposed of both of their former ‘Dog class’ vessels and are currently without tugs.
Foxbay (ex: Foxhound , ex: Boxer ) was sold to Coloured Fin for use in Trinidad and left the port in tow of the Massai (formerly the Maiden Castle of Portland Towage ) in July.
Massai was destined for new owners in Martinique and both vessels arrived safely some three weeks later.
Mastiff was sold to buyers in Italy and left Newhaven under her own power in mid August.
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