The Towing Equipment News

Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled the Multi Cat 1908 Electric, a fully electric, zero emissions operations workboat.The MuC 1908 E is based the Damen Multi Cat 1908, a proven product within the Damen portfolio that has been operating successfully around the world for over a quarter of a century.The MuC 1908 E is 19.05 meters by 8.4 meters, with a deck area of 35m². It offers seven tonnes of bollard pull and can travel at speeds of up to seven knots. The batteries used for the vessel’s propulsion have a lifetime of 10 years.

The November edition of Marine News magazine highlighted the most notable newbuilds delivered in 2022. From sturdy and nimble workboats, to the first new Jones Act laker in a generation, each vessel on display showcases the industry’s engineering prowess and technological ingenuity, with the focus on improving efficiency in operations. The maritime industry has no shortage of challenges to overcome, and each of Marine News’ top vessels will, in one way or another, aid efforts to tackle them.Mark W.

Sea Change - America’s first hydrogen powered ferrySWITCH Maritime’s new 70-foot passenger ferry Sea Change is navigating uncharted waters as the United States’ first zero-emissions, hydrogen fuel cell-powered, electric-drive ferry.The pioneering aluminum newbuild, constructed by Bellingham, Wash. shipbuilder All American Marine, Inc. (AAM), has been completed and was launched this summer, though permitting of hydrogen fuel systems for maritime vessels is still being worked out with the U.S. Coast Guard.“Legislation and laws for passenger safety did not exist yet for this type of vessel.

Foss Maritime’s newest vessel will be the first U.S.-flag harbor tug to integrate autonomous systems in real-world commercial operations.Launched on April 29 and scheduled for delivery in May 2021, the newly built 90-ton bollard pull Rachael Allen—the fourth in a series of ASD-90 Z-drive tractor tugs being built at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, in Freeland, Wash.—will feature Sea Machines Robotics’ SM300 autonomous-command and -control system. The system's capabilities include transit autonomy…

Crowley Marine Services Inc. has sold one of its 7,200BHP Invader series tugs, Hunter, to private buyers in Washington.The vessel was built in 1976 and was the 21st Invader Class tug constructed for Crowley by McDermott Shipyard in Amelia, La. The tug measures 136.2’ loa x 36.5' beam x 19.2' depth.Often referred to as the “fastest tug in the Puget Sound” due to its frequent tug race wins at the Seattle Maritime Festival, Hunter is powered by twin EMD 20-645E5 diesels with Falk 4.345:1 gears driving two 132" x 82-88" 5-blade stainless props.

Shearwater GeoServices announced the award of a 4D seismic survey at the Troll Unit by Equinor AS to be conducted this summer.The company 20% owned by GC Rieber Shipping ASA said that the project adds further to Shearwater’s 4D program in the North Sea and Barents Sea this season.The Troll Unit survey will last approximately 2 months and be conducted by the Amazon Conqueror using Shearwater's Isometrix system."The award of the Troll Unit project from Equinor adds to our extensive 4D and Isometrix program for the 2019 summer season. We are encouraged by our strong seasonal backlog which reflects an overall increase in 4D survey activity" said Irene Waage Basili…

Norwegian offshore survey specialist Shearwater GeoServices has been awarded three 4D seismic surveys by Equinor to be conducted this summer.The Geoservices company said in a press release that the projects confirm Shearwater’s Isometrix crews will be active in 2019, on 4D projects in the North Sea and Barents Sea. Together with the recent announcement of 3 OBS 4Ds this brings Shearwater’s announced 2019 4D awards to 6 projects, confirming its market leading position in 4D.Equinor has awarded Shearwater a multi-project contract, with three surveys to be conducted in 2019 at the Kvitebjørn & Valemon, Visund and Snøhvit fields. The first survey is scheduled to start in Q2 and the total duration for the three 2019 projects is estimated at around 3 months.

Gökçay, the first RApport 1600-SX tug, was run through its paces by her builders, Sanmar Shipyards, in late May and showed excellent performance in all respects. The new steel twin screw harbor tug is designed for high performance at a competitive cost. It has increased beam for better stability and excellent visibility in all directions from the compact wheelhouse. Conventional twin screw propulsion with twin nozzles and four rudders provide a bollard pull of 21 tons and a top speed of 11.5 knots with excellent maneuverability.

Turkish shipbuilder Uzmar Shipyard has inked a deal with Saam Smit Canada Inc. (SST Canada), a joint venture partnership between Boskalis of the Netherlands and Saam S.A of Chile, for the construction of a new escort tug for operations in British Columbia, Canada. Designer Robert Allan Ltd. said the state-of-the-art RAstar 3200-W tug will be capable of safely performing all ship-handling roles, including berthing, unberthing and escort duties, including in heavier weather conditions.

With the arrival of the Iron Kestrel and Iron Corella in Port Hedland, Western Australia, the first two of BHP Billiton Iron Ore's six boat order for Robert Allan Ltd.’s RAstar 85 Class escort tugs have now been delivered by ASL Shipyards Singapore. These modern high performance tugs will escort bulk carriers in and out of Port Hedland. They were custom designed and built to meet the environmental conditions and operational requirements of the world's busiest bulk commodity port by tonnage.

Saft will supply two specialized Seanergy marine lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems to Rolls-Royce Marine for integration in the hybrid propulsion systems for the polar research vessel RRS Sir David Attenborough. The new vessel, one of the most advanced ever, is being commissioned by the U.K.’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) for operation by the British Antarctic Survey. The contract follows an earlier Rolls-Royce Marine contract for a hybrid multi-application vessel for Kystverket, the Norwegian Coastal Administration.

The National Oil Spill Response Research and Renewable Energy Test Facility has been an integral part of the spill response community for more than three and a half decades. Tucked away on the shores of the Sandy Hook Bay in central New Jersey resides Ohmsett – The National Oil Spill Response Research and Renewable Energy Test Facility. It has been an integral part of the spill response community for more than three and a half decades. Government agencies, private industry, and oil spill response organizations from around the world have visited the facility for testing, research and training.

Fratelli Neri S.p.A has taken delivery of a Damen ASD Tug 3212. The new vessel, called Luisa Neri, was handed over from Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam in the Netherlands, on 25 January 2016. The vessel represents two firsts: it is Fratelli Neri’s first Damen newbuild tug and it is the first ASD Tug in the Mediterranean with a Damen render-recovery winch. Damen is renowned for its quick delivery times and this contract further reinforces that fact: the smooth process from contract to delivery taking just 5 months. With the vessel built for stock, Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam carried out the final outfitting works to bring the Luisa Neri up to client specifications.

International classification society Bureau Veritas has worked closely with the towing industry to develop a set of Guidelines for Design, Construction and Operation of Tugs. The Guidance Note provides safety rules for tugs in an area of marine safety where there are many vessels not covered by international conventions, with no established framework. Gijsbert de Jong, Bureau Veritas’ Business Development Manager for offshore service vessels and tugs said, “Active involvement with industry stakeholders was vital to building these rules. Bureau Veritas has worked in close cooperation with several industry leaders, including Robert Allan Ltd…

The Brage, the first RAscal 1500 class tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd. has been delivered to its owners Buksér og Berging AS (BB) of Norway. Built in Turkey by Sanmar A.S. to extremely high quality standards more commonly seen in yachts, the tug exceeded all performance expectations on trials. Although just under 15 metres in length, this ABS classed tug is a true workboat with heavily built hull and heavy duty machinery and equipment. Engines are 350 kW Caterpillar C18 driving Veth VZ-550 azimuthing drives through carbon fibre shafts. Generators are twin Caterpillar C4.4 producing 69 ekW. The main bow fender is a 500 mm cylindrical type with vertical 400 x 300 “W” fenders underneath. The towing equipment consists of a hydraulic DMT winch on the foredeck and a Data tow hook aft.

The agreement between the government and BP allows HM Coasguard to call on a BP-chartered vessel in the event of a pollution incident. An operational and commercial model has been brokered with the oil industry allowing HM Coastguard to call on a BP-chartered vessel, the Grampian Frontier, to provide support in the event of a pollution incident. The Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel (ERRV) operates west of Shetland and the owner North Star Shipping is working with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to ensure that the crew and equipment are able to respond. The involvement of the Frontier builds on the UK Government’s commitment last year to fund an Emergency Towing Vessel in waters around Scotland for the duration of the current Spending Review.

Fluoramics Inc. has developed a revolutionary, rust-inhibiting lubricant that is solvent free, non-aerosol based, and odor free. Frank Reick, the inventor of HinderRUST has many credits to his product portfolio. He is the original developer of Tufoil, which holds the title of “The World’s Most Efficient Lubricant” by the Guinness Book of World Records. In addition, while working with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, Georgia, he developed a product called Gun-Coat, which protects guns from corrosion.

Fairmount Marine’s tug Fairmount Alpine has successfully assisted in the refloating of the grounded MV Ikan Sepat just offshore Puerto Cortés, Honduras. The salvage operation was directed by T&T Bisso Salvage. The MV Ikan Sepat is a 180m long, 28,503 DWT bulk carrier flying the Singapore flag. The vessel was grounded in the approach of the port of Puerto Cortés, located at the Gulf of Honduras in the northwest of the country. During mobilization of the Fairmount Alpine from Jamaica specialists from Fairmount Marine discussed the salvage operation with T&T Bisso’s salvage master.

INTERTANKO will be attending NAV 48 at IMO . The agenda includes major items of particular interest such as: The ongoing feasibility study on the retro-fitting of VDR's to existing cargo ships; Changes to the traffic separation scheme in the bay of Fundy to reduce ship strikes to the Right Whale; Proposed changes by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Poland, Russian Federation to amend Resolution A.579(14) and A.620(15) navigation through the entrances to the Baltic Sea; Places of refuge; Anchoring, mooring and towing equipment; Lifeboat accidents. Source: INTERTANKO

TradeWinds Towing announced the addition of the former Seabulk tug "Challenger" to its fleet. This 3,800 bhp tug with nozzles is presently on an endurance tow to southern Chile. The Challenger and 300-ft x 100-ft heavy deck barge, Marmac 300, (in ballast) will come free in early February in southern Chile. This equipment is available to pick up cargo from the west coast of South, Central or North America. Tug Challenger will then come free in the U.S. Gulf in the first half of March. Length, o.a.

InterMoor Marine Services Ltd., an Acteon company, has completed a Saipem UK Ltd. (Sonsub Division) contract to perform positioning and heading control for the hook-up operations of a new floating production, storage and offloading(FPSO) unit in a depth of 815 meters in the Aquila Field, Adriatic Sea, Italy. Initiated in August 2010, the agreement included carrying out FPSO positioning and heading control analyses; analyzing optimized anchor handling scenarios for the FPSO mooring hook-up; and producing marine and survey procedures.

Fluoramics Inc. has developed a revolutionary, rust-inhibiting lubricant that is solvent free, non-aerosol based, and odor free. Frank Reick, the inventor of HinderRUST has many credits to his product portfolio. He is the original developer of Tufoil, which holds the title of “The World’s Most Efficient Lubricant” by the Guinness Book of World Records. In addition, while working with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, Georgia, he developed a product called Gun-Coat, which protects guns from corrosion.

The current status of new class rules and complementary solutions for safer operation of offshore service vessels (OSVs) were presented by Germanischer Lloyd's Helge Rathje at the 3rd International Conference on Technology & Operation of Offshore Support Vessels in Singapore. "Our aim is to formulate a set of new rules that are comprehensive, strict and feasible enough to help construct safer and more robust OSVs and to minimize their operational risks," he said. Offshore service vessels (OSVs) are becoming larger, more specialized and technically sophisticated as a result of the rising demand for more complex deepwater field developments. Currently there are some 2,500 OSVs worldwide, with a steady growth projected from now through 2020.