Smitwijs News

During May, SMIT Salvage dealt with casualties in Japanese waters and in the Red Sea. On May 1, the 260,619 dwt tanker Front Tobago was making for Japan when her main engine failed while proceeding off the Ryuku Islands, Japan. This 1993-built VLCC was carrying 240,00 tons of crude. An inspection revealed that the tanker’s crankshaft was damaged. The owners awarded SMIT a contract on May 2. The SmitWijs Singapore was mobilized to tow the Front Tobago to an anchorage outside the Economic Exclusion Zone, off Taiwan. On arrival, the cargo was discharged by ship-to-ship transfer. SMIT then mobilized the tug De Yue to tow the vessel from Taiwan to Singapore. The vessel arrived on May 23.

During a recent series of meetings, the shareholders of SmitWijs Towage – Smit International (50%) and SvitzerWijsmuller (50%) – have reconfirmed their commitment to the ocean towage business and their efforts to remain the market leader in this segment. As of August 29, Managing Director Aart Brand will be leaving the joint venture due to reaching retirement age. Brand will continue his services in the capacity of Senior Advisor until the end of this year, and will be succeeded by Jord Veldman. Mr Veldman currently holds the position of Regional Manager Americas with SvitzerWijsmuller. Hans van der Donck, General Manager of SmitWijs, will continue in his present function.