Kotug to support Congo LNG project
Rotterdam-based Kotug International BV has been awarded a “significant” contract to provide a range of marine support services to the ENI Congo LNG project off the Republic of Congo.
The contract involves deployment of three 80tbp Rotortugs to provide a wide range of services not just restricted to towing but including vessel mooring and unmooring; handling mooring equipment; providing stand-by services; transporting pilots and offering anti-pollution, oilfield goods and passenger transport services.
Kotug is an example of Dutch maritime service providers exporting their expertise globally as maritime-based projects, including in the energy sector, are established by developing nations.
With increasing demand for LNG, influenced partly by global geopolitics, a succession of projects is maturing and Italy-based energy company ENI’s aims include producing electricity for the domestic market and exporting LNG to Europe, the liquefaction project including a zero-flaring approach to reduce methane emissions.
The project’s offshore elements include the Tango Floating LNG (FLNG) and Excalibur Floating Storage Unit (FSU), the first phase involving nearshore positioning of the Tango FLNG unit which commenced LNG production and exports earlier in 2024. A second FLNG unit currently under construction will form part of the second phase.
While employing Dutch expertise, such contracts usually require a strong local element for what will be a long-term association, and Kotug says it is “dedicated to maximising local content by collaborating closely with local suppliers and utilising local goods and services”.
Kotug maintains a training and consultancy division including theoretical and practical training of tug masters utilising simulator centres globally, the initiative aimed at promoting employment and training of Congolese nationals, “contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy”.
Rotortugs
Kotug’s Congo LNG contract will see three Rotortugs deployed for the role
The deployment of Rotortugs to service this contract follows a pattern of where this particular class is among the vessels of choice for operations that require more than just a powerful tug.
The Rotortug distinguished by its arrangement of three azimuthing thrusters, two forward and one aft, providing enhanced and precise manoeuvrability along with the ability to provide towing power in all directions.
Established in 1996 as the shipbuilding and trading arm of Kotug International, Rotortug teamed up with naval architect Robert Allan in 2012 and jointly developed the Advanced Rotortug (ART) series with RAL’s catalogue listing eight ART variants ranging from 60tbp to 100tbp and vessel lengths of between 25m and 46m.
Of particular interest is the Rotterdam-based and well-appointed Rotortug RT Borkum, a vessel of just 14.9m in length with 10tbp and used for training purposes while also available for inland towage opportunities in the local region.
Ard-Jan Kooren, president and CEO of Kotug, said: “We are proud to be part of the Congo LNG project, providing our expertise and innovative Rotortugs to ensure the safe and efficient operation of this critical infrastructure.
“This partnership underscores Kotug’s commitment to supporting the sustainable development of the local economy by leveraging local talent and resources, and underscores our commitment to excellence in the LNG sector. We look forward to a successful collaboration with our partner ENI Congo and contributing to the project’s success.”
