Download Newsletter 13 2011 - Towingline.com

12 TH VOLUME, NO. 13 DATED 03 APRIL 2011 

BUYING, SALES, NEW BUILDING, RENAMING AND OTHER TUGS TOWING & OFFSHORE INDUSTRY NEWS 

Z-TECH PEQUENI DELIVERED 

TUGS & TOWING NEWS 

On Sunday March 20th, Cheoy 

Lee Shipyards handed over 

Pequeni, the sixth unit of the 

latest thirteen Z-Tech 6500 tug 

order of the Panama Canal 

Authority. Pequeni set off, with 

a delivery crew of Redwise, on 

her 10,000nm trans-pacific 

crossing to Panama, a voyage 

that takes around 1-1/2 months. 

Around 25 days from Hong 

Kong to Honolulu, then a 

further 20 days on to Panama. The 6000hp tugs are built to Lloyds Register of Shipping class, with 

the notation LR +100AN Tug, +LMC UMS for service in the Panama Canal and approaches. 

Principal Dimensions: 27.40m LOA x 11.50m Beam x 5.83m Draft. (Source: Cheoy Lee) 

NEWEST TUG FOR GROUPE OCÉAN 

Advertisement 

Newest tug for Groupe Océan of Quebec City is named Ocean Ross Gaudreault, and was registered 

yesterday. Registration usually precedes completion by some months. The 402 gross ton tug is 

under construction at East Isle Shipyard in Georgetown, PE and is of the same design as several 

sisters delivered over the past few years. It is an ice rated 5,000 bhp azimuthing stern drive tug, 

with fire fighting and escort capabilities. Following Groupe Océan's recent naming policy this tug 

honours another important figure in Quebec shipping. M. Ross Gaudreault was the CEO of the Port 

of Quebec, and retired on December 31, 2010. (Source: Tugfax) 

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MOVIE OF THE SALVAGE AND TOWAGE OF THE AQUARIUS 

Capt. Norbert Clasen is a 

former employee and tug 

man from Bugsier at 

Hamburg. He spent his whole 

live on board and with tugs. 

From 1963 on the coastal and 

deep sea tugs as AB, Mate and 

Captain. In 1978 Norbert was 

appointed as Salvage Marine 

Superintendent. Since 4 years he is retired. During his time at sea and later as Salvage Master He 

worked very often together with Smit tugs and cranes etc. Norbert is having very good memories 

for example Capt. Hans Walenkamp, Capt. Cor Kalkman and lot of the divers, AB and mates. Capt. 

Cor Kalkman was master on the Clyde during this Salvages. Norbert flown back with him from 

Tokyo to Amsterdam. He is also on the pictures. However: during this time he made Super 8 Films 

and wrote later some books about salvage. (see Lekko, German books) Capt. Norbert‘s latest 18 

minutes super 8 Film he produced together with a Company a DVD. It is the story of the salvage 

and towage of the tanker Aquarius together with the tugs Thames, Clyde and Albatros in 1970. The 

longest towage ever from Bandar Abbas to Japan. Unfortunately to produce a digital DVD cost 

some money because a Film Company has to be involved. Therefore he have to ask for a single 

DVD for € 17,50. This is including posting which cost 3,40 €. If you are interested in the DVD 

below the details of Capt. Nobert can be found. {Norbert Clasen; Hafertwiete 23; 21218 Seevetal; 

Mail: no-clasen@t-online.de} 

NAMING CEREMONY IN GLADSTONE 

An unique christening ceremony of six SMIT tugs was hold on March 24 th 2011 in the Australian 

Port of Gladstone. The tugs are the five on the Uzmar yard – Turkey build Robert Allan design 

30/70, SMIT Koongo (yn 34 – Imo 9557587), SMIT Yallarm (yn 35 – Imo 9557599), SMIT 

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Awoongo (yn 55 – Imo 9578490), SMIT Tondoon (yn 56 – Imo 9578505) and SMIT Kullaroo (yn 57 

– Imo 9578517) and the on the Damen Penglai – China type ASD3211 build SMIT Leopard (yn 

511215 – Imo 9488724). All the tugs are owned by SMIT Shipping Singapore and managed by 

SMIT Marine Australia. The naming ceremony has been performed respectively by Mrs. Patrici 

Brusasco, Mrs. Gail Sellers, Mrs. Joanne Lutze, Mrs Elizabeth Zussno, Mrs. Judy Reynolds and Mrs. 

Helen Skippen. The festivities also commemorate the start of SMIT‘s Gladstone Operations. 

(Source: SMIT Marine Australia) 

Advertisement 

PIRATES STEAL & REPAINT TUG, STRAND CREW 

Primarina Trading Pte Ltd of Singapore reported 

that one of the company's tugs, Marina 26, was 

taken by pirates on March 22 off Tioman Island 

Malaysia. The crew was later left adrift and 

rescued. The crew reports that the tug had been 

repainted to green. Primarina Trading is looking 

for any assistance in locating the tug and its tow 

which was empty at the time. After taking the 

Marine 26 tug, the pirates travelled east with the 

crew held hostage. Then the pirates left the crew 

on a life raft floating in mid sea. The crew was rescued on March 26 night by a passing fishing boat 

and they are now safely onshore at Natuna island. According to the Captain, the pirates have 

repainted the tug to green and the company believes their intention was to take the vessel rather 

than ask for ransom. Primarina Trading wishes to spread the news so that other shipowners are 

aware of piracy in the area and on the lookout for suspicious vessels that are put up for sale, 

especially in the Philippines and East Malaysia. Contact Ms. Tresya with any information at: 

Phone: +65 9639 1050 / +62 855 655 0000; E-mail: tresya@gmail.com (Source: Primarina Trading) 

Your feedback is important to me so please drop me an email if you have any 

photos or articles that may be of interest to the Tugs Towing & Offshore 

interested people at sea and ashore. 

Send your press releases, news, articles and/or pictures to 

jvds@towingline.com 

3/26


USS “HOGA” A FINE MODEL 

One of the readers of Tugs Towing 

& Offshore News ―Henk de Winde‖ 

constructed another fine model of a 

tug. This winter season he 

constructed the famous YT-146 

―USS Hoga‖. The Hoga was ordered 

on June 18, 1940 and delivered by 

Consolidated Shipbuilding 

Corporation – Morris Heights to the 

United States Navy 14 th Naval 

District – Pearl Harbour on May 22, 

1941. She was in service till June 

1948 after she was sold to Pacific 

Drydock & Repair – Oakland and renamed in Port of Oakland later renamed City of Oakland. She 

has a length of 31.92 mtrs, beam of 8.19 mtrs and a draft of 3.39 mtrs. Her two 2 stroke 6 cylinder 

McIntosh & Seymour develop a total output of 650 hp. Her speed was 9 knots. In 1944 she was reclassed 

YTB-146. In 1948 converted into a fire fighting tug. In February 1962 re-classed YTM-146. 

In July 1996 taken out of service and laid up in December at Suisun Bay. On 29 July 2005 donated 

to the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum of North Little Rock. On 7 th December 1941, only seven 

months old she was very active during the bombing by the Japanese on the American Pacific Fleet 

at Pearl Harbour. Her crew performed heroics as burning ships were towed away from the 

ammunition depots and hundreds of people jumped into the water taken out and bring ashore. The 

heat in which they worked was so great that the paint peeling on the ship and its crew loose with 

minor burns should be treated. Well done Henk she is a beauty. 

DONJON AND SEACOR COMPLETE TUG KEN BOOTHE, SR. 

Donjon Marine Co., Inc., along with partner 

Seacor Holdings Inc. announced the 

completion of the tugboat, Ken Boothe, Sr. The 

10,700 hp tug will work as an Articulated 

Tug/Barge ( ATB) in conjunction with a 34,000 

ton capacity self-unloading bulk cargo barge. 

The tugboat was constructed in the Donjon 

Shipbuilding and Repair facility over the last 14 

months. The still-to-be-named cargo barge is 

scheduled to be delivered in early Spring of 

2012. "We are very pleased to see the 

completion of this state-of-the-art towing 

vessel, and to share in the success with our partner Seacor. This represents a new and exciting 

chapter in our companies' stories," said J. Arnold Witte, President and CEO, Donjon Marine Co., 

Inc. Ken Boothe, Sr. Specifications: ABS Great Lakes Load Line; Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair 

Hull #108; Length, o.a.: 135‘ 4‖; Beam: 50 ft; Depth: 26 ft; Draft, design, d.w.l: 18 ft; Speed: 16 

knots; Horsepower: 10,700; GRT: 1,250; NRT: 832; Connection System: Hydraconn; Unmanned 

Self-Unloading Dry Cargo Barge; ABS Great Lakes Load Line; Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair 

Hull #115; Length, o.a.: 740 ft; Beam: 78 ft; Depth: 45 ft; Draft, deel, d.w.l.: 27.5 ft; Cargo: 33,892 

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lt; Unload rate: 6,000 tons per hour; Most common cargos: Iron ore, coal, stone. (Source: 

MarineLink; Photo Courtesey Donjon Marine Co.) 

Advertisement 

SINGAPORE LEAVES CAPE TOWN FOR TRISTAN DA CUNHA TO ASSIST 

WITH CLEAN-UP AT NIGHTINGALE 

The Svitzer tug Singapore has been 

chartered and left Cape Town for 

Nightingale Island last Monday to 

assist with the clean-up operation. 

On board are a number of SANCCOB 

personnel (South African Foundation 

for the Conservation of Coastal 

Birds) along with equipment who 

will help with the cleaning up of and 

rehabilitation of thousands of oiled 

penguins and other sea birds. 

Singapore is due at Tristan da Cunha 

on Saturday 2 April 2011. One the 

island of Tristan da Cunha a team is already hard at work with the clean-up operation as hundreds 

of birds are ferried across from Nightingale to the main island. The bulker Oliva has meanwhile 

broken in two and a team from the tug SMIT Amandla is hard at work trying to prevent more oil 

from escaping. (Source : ports.co.za; Photo Glenn Kasner) 

PERSONNEL ARRIVE TO BEGIN SALVAGE OF GROUNDED TUG 

Salvage operations on a boat grounded last week on the banks of the Ouachita River are about to 

begin. The Amy Sue, a 65-foot-long three-tiered boat, became stranded Friday March 25, 2011, 

morning just south of the Twin Cities after dropping off a barge for D&J Construction. Johnny 

Martin, marine supervisor for Terrell Riverservices, which owns the boat, said Monday that 

salvage crews had arrived at the boat. "The salvage rigs are on the scene doing their rig ups," 

Martin said. Martin was unsure Monday afternoon when the actual salvage effort would begin. 

Once it begins, Martin estimated it would take about an hour to conduct. "Then we'll move it from 

here to the shipyards in Morgan City and start going over it," Martin said. The boat had an 

apparent mechanical failure immediately after dropping off the barge, causing it to list astern and 

take on water. The crew of the Amy Sue then intentionally grounded the boat into the bank of the 

river to prevent it from foundering. The four crewmen aboard the boat got off safely. The stern 

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went low enough to cause fuel to leak into the river, Ouachita Parish interim director of Homeland 

Security and Emergency Preparedness Tracy Hilburn said. Hilburn said D&J employees placed a 

boom around the boat to contain the spill until a civilian containment contractor arrived. 

"Everything has been capped and there's no way anything can get into the river," Hilburn said. 

"The civilian cleanup crew has been on site and living with the thing just to make sure nothing 

happens." Martin said it could take a while before company officials determine the cause of the 

boat's listing. "It's going to be a little while," Martin said. "Once we get it down to Morgan City, 

we'll start going through it trying to evaluate the cause." (Source: The News Star) 

SMIT-REBRAS 100% SMIT 

Advertisement 

SMIT has taken over the 50% shares of the Brazilian 

partner Rebras according SMIT‘s lastest issued 

magazine SMIT Intern. In the next weeks SMIT will 

sign a contract with a shipyard for the construction 

of six vessels. (Source: SMIT Intern ) 

MOJAWEB: A MAJOR RASTAR 3600 FIRE-FIGHTING TUG FROM 

ROBERT ALLAN LTD. FOR KUWAIT FIRE SERVICES 

When is a fireboat a tug? When is a tug a fireboat? The fitting of fire-fighting capacity on 

harbour tugs is very common, but typically those installations are limited to up to the capacity of 

the Class Society Fi-Fi 1 designations with a total pump capacity of 2,400 m3/hour. However 

when an Owner requires a major terminal support tug with significant towing and ship-handling 

capabilities, AND a Fire-Fighting II capability of 8,400 m3/hour, the result is an exciting 

combination of the best attributes of both vessel types. Robert Allan Ltd. is internationally 

recognized for the many unique high-performance tugboats built to its designs, and is also gaining 

a worldwide reputation for significant major fireboats. With this background Robert Allan Ltd. 

was an easy choice for Kuwait Fire Services to make for the development of a new design for a 

major fire-fighting tug for operation in the Kuwait Port of Shuwaikh. The contract for design and 

construction of the new vessel was awarded to the trading company Al Boom Marine of Kuwait, 

who retained Robert Allan Ltd. to develop the design, and then awarded the construction 

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contract to Simulation Tech Inc. (STI) of South Korea. The new vessel, named Mojaweb was 

delivered in early March 2011, and is currently sailing under its own power from Korea to the 

Middle East. Due to a 

requirement for 

continuous operation in 

the significant sea states of 

the Arabian Gulf, the 

choice of the wellregarded 

RAstar hull form 

for this project was an 

easy one. The RAstar 

family of tug designs 

represents a truly unique 

and significant 

development in offshore tug design. The hull form incorporates a significant outward flare (or 

sponson) on the upper hull sides. This trade-marked concept was developed by and is unique to 

tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd. When the tug is heeled over under influence of the towline 

during an escort operation, the sponson is submerged and a large righting force is generated to 

improve the stability, thus increasing the available towline force. In addition, the hull has a large 

extended skeg, also designed to provide increased roll-damping. This design approach is far 

superior to simply making a tug "fatter" on the waterline, and results in better fuel economy in all 

aspects of operation. The RAstar hull form also provides dramatic reductions in roll amplitude and 

roll accelerations compared to old-style, wall-sided tug hull forms, and thus provides a much safer 

and more comfortable platform for the crew. This type of performance was one of the stated 

objectives of the international SAFETUG JIP in which Robert Allan Ltd. were an active 

participant, and the RAstar hull form demonstrates superior performance to any concepts 

evaluated during that project. Extensive private model tests indicate that the roll accelerations of 

a RAstar hull are about 60% lower than in a typical hull form of the same overall dimensions and 

displacement. The Mojaweb, although equipped primarily as a fireboat, is also equipped for 

typical tanker support and ship-handling work, with a hawser winch on the fore deck, and a 75 

tonne SWL towhook aft. The accommodation is arranged for an operating crew of up to 14 

persons, with a berthed crew of nine, but it also has the capability to accommodate survivors 

and/or additional fire-fighters. The spacious officer's cabin is located on the upper deck, with 

private en suite facilities. Two additional four-man crew cabins are located on the lower deck, 

served by a common lavatory facility. A compact but fully equipped galley serves a large common 

mess area on the main deck, the latter also doubling as a conference/meeting room/command 

centre. The wheelhouse is designed to provide maximum all-round visibility from a single split 

type master console forward, and a fire-fighting console aft. The Mojaweb was built in accordance 

with Lloyd's Register of Shipping. The propulsion machinery consists of a pair of Wärtsilä 6L26 

medium-speed diesel engines, each rated 1,946 kW at 1,000 rpm. These each drive a Wärtsilä- 

Lips CS250-CP Z-drive unit, with a 2,400 mm diameter propeller. The Fi-Fi II Fire-fighting 

capability is provided by a centre independent pump engine, Wärtsilä 8L26 diesel, rated 2,590 kW 

at 1,000 rpm driving two pumps, each rated at 2,400 m3 per hour, and a pair of 1,800 m3 per hour 

main engine-driven pumps. Auxiliary power is provided by a pair of CAT C-18 diesel gensets, 

each rated 275 ekW. The Mojaweb was designed to meet the following requirements: Bollard 

Pull, ahead = 60 tonnes, minimum; Free running speed, ahead = 12 knots, minimum (and easily 

exceeded those objectives on trials) (Press Release Robert Allan) 

7/26


CAPTAIN MICHALIS S TOWED DREDGER DCI DREDGE BH 1 

Last week the 1971 

built Panama flag with 

call sign HP5338 Greece 

owned tug Captain 

Michalis S (Imo 

7127481) departed with 

in tow the dredger DCI 

dredge BH 1, after 

taken up bunkers and 

provision, from Cape 

Town. The tug is owned 

by Laposa Tugs 

Shipping SA – Piraeus; 

Greece and managed by Atlas Salvage & Towage – Piraeus; Greece. She has a grt of 389 tons and a 

dwt of 714 tons and is Hellenic Register of Shipping classed. The tug is built on the Cantieri Navale 

M. & B. Benetti yard at Viareggio under number 93 for Carmelo Noli Spa – Savona and operated by 

Remolcadores de Buques Facal SA – Pasajes and named Luigi Noli. In 1997 sold to Remolcadores de 

Buques Facal SA – Pasajes; Spain and renamed Facal XVII. In 1999 renamed Facal Diecisiete. In 

2006 Captain Michalis S. She has a length of 37.90 mtrs, beam of 10.04 mtrs and a draft of 4.34 

mtrs. She has a total engine output of 3,000 bhp and a speed of 13.5 knots. (Photo: Aad Noorland) 

Advertisement 

MARCON GRUPPEN ACQUIRED MSC ALIX 

The Damen Shoalbuster 2609 acquired by MarCon Gruppen in Malmö is now the Sound Provider 

(ex. MSC Alix). 29.9 tonnes bollard pull, 2,234 bhp., 26.08m x 9.10m x 2.60m. 161 tons gross. 

(Source: Lawrence Amboldt) 

KRAGERØ MARINE SERVICES ACQUIRED LEAM 

Kragerø Marine Services (Kragerø Sjøtjenster) has acquired its fourth, and, by far, largest, tug with 

the acquisition of the Leam (ex. Frier-05) from Tugab A/B of Gefvle in Sweden. The tug, which is 

being renamed Frier Tug, is expected to arrive at Kragerølate March or early April. She was built by 

Scheepswerf G. de Vries Lentsch at Nieuwendam in 1959 as the Frier for Frierfjordens Iskasse. 

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Measuring 22.05m x 6.58m x 2.87, she has a grt of 111 tons. Originally fitted with a 545 bhp Normo 

engine, she was re-engined with a 1,200 KHD in 1967. Until 1979 the Frier was managed by the 

Porsgrunn harbour office until 1979, when management passed into the hands of Bugser & Berging, 

Oslo. Sold to Noås Nordmuddring A/B, Örnsköldsvik late in 2005 and renamed Leam in 2005. Sold 

to Tugab A/B in 2008 and, according to the company's website, aubsequently renamed Heros. 

Kragerø Sjøtjenster also has three smaller tugs: the Evis (750 bhp., MTU, built 1971), the Triset (600 

bhp. Yanmar, built 1981) and the Havbas (350 bhp., Scania, built 1979). (Source: Lawrence 

Amboldt) 

LEKKO “CLUB NEWS” 

On Saturday, April 16, 2011 Lekko will hold its bi-monthly club days. The meeting is at the Zee- 

en Havenmuseum, Havenkade 55 in IJmuiden. You are most welcome from 10.00 till 13.30. Please 

subscribe for the National and/or International Magazine and receive the ST-book for free. For 

more information www.lekko.org 

BITS AND PIECES 

It is reported that the MTS Taktow sailed on the 26 th of March from Oostende with the 

St.Piran in tow and to be scrapped by Fa. Van Heyghen in Gent. Later she returned back 

to Oostende as the St.Piran was not properly released from arrest. 

Also last week the administrators of AMC Subsea Ltd. Ltd (Atlas Marine Contractors), 

Leith sold their Kingston Lacy to Peter Fitzpatrick, Liverpool. 

The Hermes (originally Swedish Navy) to OWL, Glasgow (Source: David Asprey) 

SIGNET MARITIME COMPLETES RIG MOVES 

Signet Maritime Corporation 

announced the successful 

completion of transportation, 

delivery and loadout of two 

mat supported Jackup rigs. 

Signet provided full turnkey 

operations for the movement 

of the Rubicone H-191 from 

Sabine, Texas to Kiewit 

Offshore Services, Ingleside, 

Texas. The MV Signet 

Enterprise with 4,400BHP, 

62.6MT Bollard pull ahead, 53.5MT bollard pull astern and the MV Signet Intrepid with 4,400BHP, 

9/26


60.3MT bollard pull ahead, 54.7MT bollard pull astern, were the primary towing tugs for the 

project. The ocean tow was accomplished flawlessly in four days. ―The towing speed at 3.8 knots 

was excellent given the time of year and sea conditions,‖ commented Jackie Yardley, Signet 

Maritime‘s Senior Manager of Global Traffic and Rig Transport. Complete marine services were 

also provided for the movement and delivery of the Veer Prem mat supported Jackup rig, from 

Galveston, Texas to Kiewit Offshore Services, Ingleside, Texas. Signet once again deployed their 

flagship vessels, the Signet Enterprise and Signet Intrepid, along with the support tail boat MV 

Santa Rosa. Upon arrival at the Aransas Sea Buoy, Signet utilized additional vessels from their fleet 

to provide inbound assistance and loadout services onto the Heavy Lift Vessel (HLV) at Kiewit 

Offshore Services for both transportation projects. Once the rig arrived at the Aransas Sea Buoy, 

two additional Signet tugs, MV Signet Challenger and MV Signet Volunteer arrived to assist the rig 

to Kiewit. After delivery of Rubicone to Kiewit, Signet provided MV Signet Columbia and MV 

Signet Freedom in conjunction with the four Signet ASD‘s to load the rig onto the HLV. As an 

integral part of the Work Scope, upon completion of loadout, Signet provided cribbing and seafastening 

for Veer Prem as well as providing the necessary support tugs to escort the loaded HLV 

to sea. Major Project Risk Assessment and constant direct weather forecasting were provided 

throughout the duration of both projects. (Source: MarineLink; Photo: courtesy Signet Maritime 

Corp) 

MTB WORKBOATS MALTA – 21 ST – 24 TH SEPTEMBER 2011 

Early registration for MTB Workboats continues to reflect the vibrancy of the global Workboat 

market! MTB Workboats is the only face-to-face networking forum for the tug, towing and offshore 

market has been really positive. MTB Workboats gives Workboat Owners/Operators the 

opportunity to network effectively over 2 days with manufacturers/suppliers from the market and 

amongst themselves. The launch of MTB for the Workboat market, last September, was well 

received with owners/operators joining the forum with vessels numbering over 1500 with fleet sizes 

ranging from 4 jack-up barges to 384 PSV‘s! Suppliers joined us from around the World to take 

advantage of the opportunity to meet with the senior decision-makers from these companies in one 

place over two days. The pre-registration for 2011‘s forum in Malta continues to be fantastic with 

new registrations from the Swire Pacific Offshore from Singapore, one of the leading service 

providers to the offshore oil and gas industry, with a network that spans the globe. Transnet Ports 

Authority from South Africa has confirmed that their purchaser will be joining us from Durban and 

we anticipate that we will grow the forum to include 60 suppliers and 60 owners/operators. For 

further information and to be kept up-to-date with new registrations and the buyers you could meet 

in Malta please email Thomas Cox at thomas.cox@coplandevents.com or visit 

www.coplandevents.com 

10/26


NORWEGIAN TUG SOLD TO NORWAY 

The Danish flagged tug Western Seqi 

has been sold to Norway and is now 

part of the tug fleet in Narvik, 

Norway. The Western Seqi was 

originally built for Norwegian 

Western Bulk ASA, Oslo, for a 

mining project in the Seqi Fjord in 

Greenland, but in 2010 the project 

was closed down and the tug 

returned to Svendborg, Denmark, for 

layup. The buyer in Narvik is the 

Norwegian affiliate of LKAB called 

LKAB Norge A/S, which takes care of the exports of iron ore from Narvik. The Western Seqi was 

delivered in May 2008 from Intro Pella in Otradnoye in Russia. The tug is powered by a double 

Caterpillar plant developing 2 x 1,970 kW giving a bollard pull of 50 tons. The tug is built with an 

ice class notation. The Western Seqi was under the technical management of Nordane Shipping, 

Svendborg, while flying the Danish flag. (Source: Shipgaz; Photo: Alex) 

ACCIDENTS – SALVAGE NEWS 

TUGS STRUCK OF CALHOUN LOCK AND DAM 

Tug Alice, with four loaded coal barges in tow, 

and M/V Gentry B, with four empty barges in tow, 

both struck the upper wall of the Calhoun Lock 

and Dam on Mar 27. All four barges being towed 

by Alice drifted down river towards the dam; the 

barges being towed by Gentry B only partially 

broke free. Engineers with Crounse Corporation 

and the United States Coast Guard worked to free 

the barges that become stuck. The barges are now 

being inspected on the shoreline for damage, and 

it's still unknown how long it will be before they can continue downstream. (Source: USCG; Photo 

Jeff L. Yates) 

GLOBAL REACH FOR SALVAGE AND WRECK REMOVAL 

Rotterdam based SMIT Salvage had teams busy in Latin America last year, refloating a series of 

grounded vessels in the major river systems. This continued during the first quarter of 2011. In 

mid-March, for example, a team mobilised to go to the assistance of the bulk carrier Atlantic Star, 

grounded in the Parana River, on the border between Argentina and Uruguay. SMIT‘s local 

partners mobilised a salvage tug for this operation. The casualty is laden with 30,000 tonns of cargo 

and a refloating may require lightering. SMIT Salvage cases in the first quarter also included the 

Panamanian-flag bulk carrier Gdansk. Water levels were low in the Orinoco River following a 

11/26


prolonged drought. The bulk carrier 

struck rocks in the area of km 184, near 

Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela. This put a 70m 

gash into the double bottom, breaching a 

number of tanks and resulting in a loss of 

bunkers. SMIT Salvage and local partners 

Terminales Maracaibo, together with 

Maritima Ordaz, organised a swift 

response to this environmental 

emergency. The priority task was to 

transfer around 400 tons of Heavy Fuel 

Oil. Plans for the refloating went ahead, 

requiring the lightering of 21,000 tons of 

iron ore. This was a challenging operation but the Gdansk was refloated successfully on the eighth 

day of the salvage. Subsequently, the vessel was redelivered to the owners. Activities during the 

final quarter of 2010 included casualty salvage operations in North West Europe and the response 

to the container vessel Boundary, following an outbreak of fire in the engine room whilst between 

the South African ports of Durban and Walvis Bay. SMIT South Africa went to the assistance of 

this casualty, mobilising the salvage tug Smit Amandla. As the tug headed for the Boundary, a three 

man salvage team landed by helicopter on the container vessel‘s main deck. By noon on the first 

day, a tow connection was established and the Boundary was heading for Cape Town. An 

inspection confirmed that the engine room fire was extinguished and the vessel was redelivered at 

East Quay, Cape Town, the following day. The salvage tasks in the European region included 

another vessel fire. The ro-ro Lisco Gloria had over 200 passengers and crew on board when fire 

broke out during the morning of October 9. Lisco Gloria was sailing from Kiel to Klaipeda and was 

some 20 miles out when the fire occurred. Fortunately, all passengers and crew successfully 

abandoned the ship. SMIT Salvage was awarded a Lloyd‘s Form and mobilised a team, while two 

local tugs reached the scene and began boundary cooling. Despite the large response, this vessel 

suffered extensive fire damage. The fires were extinguished and the casualty was towed to Odense, 

for redelivery to the owners. Major wreck removals are under way at present. They include the 

SMIT Salvage contract to remove the car carrier Hyundai 105, lost following a collision with a 

tanker off Singapore some years ago. This vessel had some 5,000 cars on board at the time of the 

loss. SMIT‘s team began by removing fuel within the wreck. Around 150 tons of HFO was 

recovered. The main wreck removal task began in February 2011and will take some 12 to 16 

months. Equipment mobilised on scene for the Hyundai 105 operation included the 

accommodation/work barge Smit Ibis, which acted as surface platform for the oil removal. 

Subsequently, the two sheerlegs Taklift 1 and Smit Cyclone (on the semi-submersible ocean going 

transportation barge Giant 3, towed by Union Boxer) arrived. The wreck is being horizontally 

chain-cut into sections and the scrap then taken ashore. SMIT‘s HDW large hydraulic grab is in use 

to clear the wreck and debris in the surrounding area. At the time of writing, three sections had 

been cut and removed. In the second week of March another major project team succeeded in 

removing, by refloating, the wreck of a 3,500 TEU container vessel, involved in a collision near 

Mumbai last August. The vessel was refloated on March 17. SMIT is also in discussion with the 

Korean Government agency KOEM for the removal of oil from the wreck of the tanker Kuyng- 

Shin. (Source: Maritime Journal; Photo: Mercator Media) 

12/26


120 VESSELS STUCK IN ICE IN BOTHNIA 

The extreme ice conditions in the Bay of 

Bothnia continue. Today more than 120 vessels 

are waiting for icebreaker assistance. Eleven 

diesel-electric and one nuclear-powered 

icebreaker are currently working in the Bay of 

Bothnia, where ice conditions are the worst in 

nearly 30 years. Every day 20 new vessels 

arrive to the area, RIA Novosti reports. The ice 

conditions in the Bay of Bothnia have been 

difficult for more than a month, with one 

meter thick ice. Freezing wind makes the 

opened ice canals useless in no time. The 

nuclear icebreaker Vaygach was sent from Murmansk in February to escort vessels sailing to and 

from St. Petersburg, as Barents Observer reported. According to RIA Novosti, the vessel will 

operate in the area to April 1. (Source: Barents Observer / Photo: KVAS) 

IRISH FREIGHTER AGROUND, DENMARK 

13/26 

The Irish flag 2004 built general cargo vessel 

Arklow Resolve (Imo 9287766) ran aground 

near Vordingborg, Denmark, in the early 

hours of March 30 2011. Attempts to refloat 

under own power failed, vessel waiting for a 

tug to arrive from Svendborg. No oil spill 

reported, after refloating vessel will be 

surveyed to get permission to resume voyage. 

Vessel enroute to northern Spain with cargo 

of grain. (Source: Maritime Bulletin; Photo: 

Juan Dofer-Shipspotting) 

CARGO SHIP RUNS AGROUND OFF CONNEMARA - IRELAND 

Minister for the Marine Simon 

Coveney has arrived in 

Connemara to inspect the 7,000tonne 

cargo ship, which ran 

aground at Rossaveal Harbour on 

the morning of March 31. He will 

be given an update on the 

situation by Harbour Master John 

Donnelly. A tugboat is due to 

arrive in Rossaveal around 

midnight and the towing 

operation is expected to begin at high tide tomorrow morning April 1. Meanwhile, members of the 

Coastguard have been laying booms around the ship to prevent pollution in the event of an oil 

leak. The 120-metre long ship, the 'Pantanal', ran aground on rocks near the Rossaveal shoreline at


around 5am. There are 14 crew on board. The ship, which is German-owned but registered in 

Canada, arrived yesterday to pick up two small passenger ferries, which have been sold to a buyer 

in Mauritius. The boats were owned by local businessman Jimmy Clancy whose company went 

into receivership. (Source: RTE/News Ireland) Note red: The vessel is freed with the assistance of 

the tug Celtic Isle, last Friday. 

STUCK CARGO SHIP PLUGS UP SAINT LAWRENCE SEAWAY 

OTTAWA (AFP) – An out-of-control 

cargo ship became wedged in the Saint 

Lawrence Seaway early Thursday 

morning, blocking shipping from North 

America's Great Lakes to the Atlantic 

Ocean, an official said. The 138-meter 

(453 feet) BBC Steinhoelft lost control, 

drifted sideways and ran aground at 

Montreal, transport ministry 

spokeswoman Josianne Martel told AFP. 

Television broadcasts showed the bow of the ship, which is the same length as the width of the 

canal, is pointing to the north shore of the seaway while the stern is stuck on the south shore. 

Martel said a tugboat has been sent to try to pry the vessel free, which could take most of the day. 

A transport official is also onboard the ship investigating the exact cause of the accident. There 

were no fuel leaks or injuries, she said. Meanwhile, four freighters were waiting to pass, said local 

media. Since 1959, over 2.5 billion tonnes valued in excess of CAN$375 billion has been 

transported via the seaway's locks and channels. (Source: AFP) 

Update: Ship blocking St. Lawrence Seaway freed: A ship stuck in the St. Lawrence Seaway in 

Montreal on Thursday has been freed after blocking the busy passage for several hours. Tugboats 

dislodged the ship around 2 p.m. ET and are towing it eastward. The freighter got wedged in the 

canal perpendicular to the shore early in the morning, between the Jacques Cartier and Victoria 

bridges. The length of the 138-metre-long freighter is the same as the canal's width, said Seaway 

Corporation spokesman Jack Meloche. "The front of the vessel is actually on the north shore and 

the end of the vessel is actually on the south shore," said Meloche. The freighter is carrying 

mechanical parts. According to Meloche, there was no leakage as the ship ran aground. At least 

five vessels were delayed because of the blocked ship. (Source: CBCNews- Photo: Steve 

Rukavina/CBC) 

COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO BARGE ALLISION IN THE MISSISSIPPI 

RIVER 

VICKSBURG, Miss. — The Coast Guard has approved a salvage plan, Friday, to remove a soybean 

barge that partially sank after a towing vessel allided with the Old Vicksburg Bridge on the 

Mississippi River. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Vicksburg received a 

report that the towing vessel, Kay A. Eckstein, allided with the Old Vicksburg Bridge, causing the 

barges being pushed by the towing vessel to come free. One barge allided with the I-20 bridge, 

partially sank, and is considered a hazard to navigation. The Coast Guard is enforcing a safety zone 

that spans five miles on either side of the I-20 bridge, from mile marker 430 to mile marker 440 on 

the Mississippi River. Northbound river traffic is permitted to transit upon contacting the 

14/26


Vicksburg Information Center via VHF channel 88 or by telephone at 601-636-5516. However, 

southbound river traffic is restricted at this time and there is currently a queue of 37 vessels 

awaiting transit southbound. ―Based on survey instrumentation results and visual observation, the 

bridge shows no sign of excessive structure stresses,‖ said Kirk Gallien, a representative from the 

Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. The LADOTD also stated that they 

would not be closing the I-20 bridge to vehicle traffic during the salvage operations, which was 

anticipated to begin as early as this afternoon. ―There has been excellent cooperation between the 

Coast Guard, Louisiana and Mississippi Departments of Transportation, local law enforcement 

agencies, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the marine industry,‖ said Cmdr. Scott Anderson, 

deputy commander of Sector Lower Mississippi River. ―Everyone is working together to re-open 

the river to commerce as safely and quickly as possible.‖ There are no reported injuries or 

pollution. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident. (Source: USCG) 

OFFSHORE NEWS 

Advertisement 

ISLAND CHIEFTAN EXTENDED BY WAC 

Island Offshore says Island Chieftain, a UT 776 CD design, has been awarded an extension by the 

West Alpha Consortium (WAC), which consists of Norwegian Energy Company, BG Norge 

Limited, Petro-Canada, Centrica Energy and Nexen Exploration Norge. The vessel is currently 

operating out of Sandenessjøen, performing pool support and standby duties at the Skarv location. 

Island Chieftain is the fourth in a series of eight vessels of Rolls-Royce UT 776 design, four of 

15/26


which are already committed on long term contracts in the North Sea. The UT 776 design is 

optimized for harsh weather operations, with enhanced focus on safety, and environmental 

friendly operations. The two last newbuildings in this series will be fitted with LNG propulsion. 

(Source: OSO) 

SIEM OFFSHORE SECURES CONTRACTS FOR FIVE OF ITS VESSELS 

Siem Offshore and Capricorn 

Greenland Exploration 1 Ltd. 

have agreed contracts for three 

PSVs and two AHTS vessels for 

the Operator‘s 2011 exploration 

campaign West of Greenland 

during the Summer Drilling 

Campaign 2011. The PSVs Siem 

Louisa (Photo), Siem Danis and 

Sophie Siem, shall perform 

regular supply duties. The 

AHTS vessels Siem Topaz and 

Siem Aquamarine shall perform 

Ice Management, ROV and 

supply duties. The contracts are for a period from April to October 2011 for all vessels. The five 

vessels shall support the Drillship Ocean-Rig ‗Corcovado‘ and the Semi-submersible drilling unit 

‗Leiv Eiriksson‘. Capricorn Greenland Exploration 1 Ltd. based in Edinburgh, Scotland, is a 

subsidiary of Cairn Energy PLC UK. The contract is done at market conditions and strengthens 

Siem Offshore‘s position as a leading Arctic offshore support vessel operator. (Source: Siem 

Offshore) 

ST MARINE DELIVERS FIRST SEISMIC VESSEL 

ST Marine has successfully delivered its 

first seismic vessel, to Swire Pacific 

Offshore Operations (Pte) Ltd (Swire), a 

wholly owned subsidiary of Swire Pacific 

Limited. In December 2008, ST Marine 

announced the S$30 million contract to 

provide detailed design and to construct 

the 68m vessel for Swire. Work 

commenced in 2009. The contract from 

Swire was awarded on the back of a 

charter which Swire secured with a major 

player in the seismic market. Swire 

provided the basic design and major 

equipment, including the seismic survey equipment for the vessel. Pacific Finder carries the ABS 

Class Notation +A1, +AMS, ACCU, E and Ice D0. The vessel also complies with the latest IMO 

MSC.266 (84) Code of Safety for Special Purpose Ships, 2008. Pacific Finder, a four-streamer vessel, 

is to be deployed to carry out seismic survey in shallow waters for oil and gas clients in the Asia 

Pacific region. 

16/26


PENGUIN’S PELICAN MARINE 

A logical outgrowth of an established 

boat builder is a marine operating 

company. With a well-established 

aluminium building yard in Singapore 

and a steel fabrication yard in Batam 

Indonesia, Penguin Marine has spun off 

not one, but two marine operating 

firms. Penguin Ship Management 

Services operates high-speed ferries 

throughout Southeast Asia including on 

the busy Singapore-Batam route. 

Pelican Offshore Services, established in 

1997, operates a fleet of fast supply intervention vessels (FSIV) as well as anchor handling 

tug/supply vessels in support of the offshore oil and gas industry of Southeast Asia. Their fleet of 

FSIVs carry rig crews and light freight cargos. Working with their sister firm Penguin 

International, they have developed a fleet of their own designed Flex-36 high-speed aluminium 

vessels. The most recent addition to the Pelican fleet is the 36- by 7.6-metre ABS-classed M/V 

‗Pelican Grand‘. With a crew of eight and passenger capacity of 70 rig workers, this design has 

proved an ideal size to meet industry requirements. Combined with ample open aft deck area and 

tankage for water and fuel, the vessel continues in the manner of her sisters in this well proven 

design. The power package is also consistent with earlier deliveries. Three Cummins KTA38-M2 

diesels each delivering 1,000kW at 1,900RPM provide main propulsion power to five-blade 

propellers with a one-metre diameter. A bow thruster is built in for added manoeuvrability. A pair 

of Cummins 6BT5.9 engines, each delivering 91kW at 1,500RPM to 91kW generators, meet the 

‗Pelican Grand‘s‘ electrical needs. (Source: Baird) 

UK MINISTRY OF DEFENCE CHARTERES THE "POLAR BJØRN" FOR 

THREE YEARS 

GC Rieber Shipping has 

entered into a three-year 

charter agreement with the 

UK Ministry of Defence 

("MoD") for the vessel 

"Polarbjørn". The contract 

commences medio April 

2011 and expires in March 

2014. The contract with 

MoD will in combination 

with the recently announced 

charter agreement for the 

CSV "Polar King" generate an annual EBITDA of about NOK 125 million. The "Polarbjørn" is 

purpose-built for undertaking both long duration Antarctic expeditions and offshore subsea 

support duties. With her large public areas, accommodation capacity, helicopter deck and DP2 

class, the vessel is well suited for undertaking base ship functions on offshore fields and other 

17/26


operations. The vessel's large deck areas and cargo holds offer "unlimited" storage capacity for 

ROV and related equipment. The vessel's 50 ton knuckle boom crane and the A-frame offer 

efficient solutions for handling equipment over the side and over the stern. The "Polarbjørn" has 

for the past 2 - 3 years been operating in the spot market. CEO in GC Rieber Shipping, Irene 

Waage Basili, comments: "We are honoured to be awarded such a prestigious contract by the UK 

MoD which appreciates the unique design and operational features of the vessel for operations in 

harsh environments. The contract with the MoD offers a solid revenue stream from the vessel 

going forward". As a consequence of the contract with the UK MoD, the "Polarbjørn" will be 

renamed the "HMS Protector". The "HMS Protector" will be used as a replacement for the 

icebreaker "HMS Endurance", which has been operating as an ice patrol ship for the Royal Navy in 

the South Atlantic and the Antarctic. The "HMS Protector" will also support the British Antarctic 

Survey in Antarctica. (Source: GC Rieber) 

Advertisement 

CH OFFSHORE TO UNLOAD AHTS TO SUBSIDIARY 

Deep Sea Supply took delivery on March 28, 2011 of ―Sea Jackal‖, a newbuilding AHTS from ABG 

Shipyard, India. ―Sea Jackal‖ (AHTS Seatech P-729) is the 6th delivery in a series of 9 newbuilding 

AHTS vessels from ABG. The Deep Sea Supply fleet now consists of 13 AHTS and 8 PSVs, in total 

21 vessels. In addition to this, Deep Sea Supply also has another 4 vessels under construction. 

(Source: Deep Sea Supply) 

TRICO OVERHAUL ON TRACK 

Odekole International 

Services of Nigeria has 

coughed up $700,000 to buy 

one of four vessels tossed on 

the auction block by 

insolvent offshore owner 

Trico Marine. A US 

bankruptcy judge is 

expected to approve the sale 

of the 3,000-bhp anchorhandling 

tug supply vessel 

Suwannee River (built 1977) on 4 April following the 28 March auction, according to court 

documents. The fate of Trico‘s remaining US fleet, the 4,610-bhp Palma River (built 1998), 3,000bhp 

Elm River (built 1981) and Trinity River (built 1978), remains unclear, as the units were not 

18/26


mentioned in recent legal filings. Sources familiar with the Texas-based company say there is a 

chance bidders did not meet minimum reserve prices for some of the ships. Several US-based 

offshore players have questioned the success of the auction since the original date had been pushed 

back by a week. As TradeWinds has reported, Trico filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors 

last August. It has since sold off a number of vessels. When the company emerges from its courtapproved 

restructuring, it will have cut ties with most of its ailing North American business units, 

to which it is connected through various shipowning affiliates. Trico recently offered its 

noteholders and lenders the chance to swap their debts for shares in a new Norwegian holding 

company, christened DeepOcean Group Holding. Trico will take a 5% stake in the company, and is 

ready to buy a further 10% of the stock from creditors. A new $100m credit line is also in the 

works to help Trico cut its outstanding debt. Today, the owner said it has postponed the expiration 

of its out-of-court exchange offer to the noteholders of its 11 7/8% senior secured notes due 2014 

in addition to the deadline tied to its request for creditors to rubber stamp its reorganisation plan. 

Trico told investors: ―On the end of 28 March 2011, $272,578,000 principal amount of notes 

representing approximately 68.14% of the outstanding principal amounts of the notes had been 

validly tendered and not withdrawn in the exchange offer. ―The company believes a number of 

noteholders intend to tender additional notes, and the company is in discussions with other 

creditors regarding the restructuring.‖ The consent solicitation deadline has been set for midnight 

tonight. (Source: TradeWinds; Photo: B. Poulsen) 

OCEAN INTERVENTION III EXTENDED BY OCEANEERING 

Island Offshore has been awarded a one-year contract extension for Ocean Intervention III by 

Oceaneering International. The vessel is currently operating out of Port Furchon in the US and had 

a central role in killing the well following the Deepwater Horizon disaster. "Considering the hard 

times in the Gulf of Mexico market, Island Offshore is extremely pleased that Oceaneering 

appreciates the performance of the vessel and has granted this extension," said the company in a 

statement. The vessel has been on long term charter with Oceaneering since 2007. (Source: OSO) 

STANFORD MARINE GROWS FLEET 

Established in 1997 as the vessel 

owning and operating branch of 

the United Arab Emirates-based 

Stanford Marine Group, Stanford 

Marine is in the midst of a major 

fleet expansion. In 2009 the firm 

acquired five vessels and acquired 

a company that had ten vessels on 

order including six new 58-metre 

off shore supply vessels. This 

brought the fleet to nearly 40 

vessels and expanded the 

company‘s operational area to 

include Southeast Asia. The six 

58-metre offshore supply vessels 

are being built at China‘s Fujian Mawi Shipbuilding. The first of these vessels, delivered in late 

2010, was the ‗Stanford Kite‘. The ‗Stanford Condor‘ and ‗Stanford Osprey‘ followed in February 

19/26


2011. The other three sister vessels, the ‗Stanford Caracara‘, ‗Stanford Goshawk‘ and ‗Stanford 

Saker‘, will be delivered over the second and third quarters of 2011. These are versatile vessels, 

described by the owners as multi-purpose supply vessels, capable of transporting 162 cubic metres 

of liquid mud, 187 cubic metres of bulk cement, 369 cubic metres of water ballast/drill water, 458 

cubic metres of fuel oil and 196 cubic metres of potable water. Liquid discharge rates with a 75metre 

head include 150 cubic metres per hour for fuel oil, 100 cubic metres per hour for both fresh 

and drill water. Two pumps can offload 75 cubic metres per hour of liquid mud while bulk cement 

is discharged at 13 cubic metres per minute from two 80psi pumps. With a 5.5-metre moulded 

depth the hull has a 13.8-metre moulded beam making possible a 376 square metre cargo deck with 

a 500-tonne capacity. Accommodation for up to 50 workers and crew is provided in a range of 

single, two bunk and four bunk cabins. The engine room includes an impressive suite of Cummins 

engines. These include three Cummins KTA19-M diesels to power the three 350kW main 

generators, one Cummins 70kW emergency genset, and one Cummins KTA38-M1 delivering 

746kW at 1,800RPM to power an extensive Fi-Fi system. The system has the capacity to throw 

water 120 metres at a height of 45 metres above sea level from two monitors each capable of 

delivering 1,500 cubic metres of water per hour. One monitor is also fitted with a double barrel for 

foam discharge. In the event of fire fighting, the hull and deckhouse are protected by a water spray 

curtain. Main propulsion is provided by a pair of Cummins QSK60-Ms each delivering 1,640kW at 

1,600RPM. The engines drive fixed pitch propellers in 360-degree Schottel SRP 1212FP 

azimuthing drives. Manoeuvrability is further enhanced by a 500kW Schottel tunnel thruster. The 

addition of these six DP platform supply vessels will consolidate Stanford Marine‘s position in the 

offshore industry. (Source: Baird) 

Advertisement 

OTTO MARINE SELLS UNDER-CONSTRUCTION AHTS DUO 

Singapore-listed Otto Marine Limited says that its shipbuilding arm and wholly-owned subsidiary, 

Otto Offshore Limited has entered into a sales agreement to sell two 8,000 bhp AHTS to a third 

party at a market price of US$43.4 million. These two vessels are currently under construction and 

are expected to be this year. Following delivery, Redfish 3 Pte. Ltd., a unit of the Otto Marine 

group will charter and deploy the vessels for 7 years. "This is a good start to our new financial year 

2011," said Mr. Lee Kok Wah, President and Group CEO. "Optimism in the offshore marine and oil 

and gas industry appears to be building up as a series of new rig orders were placed with major 

players recently. This could lead to an increase in the demand for support vessels. We have also 

witnessed recently a healthy increase in enquiries for new vessels. We are cautiously optimistic 

that this momentum will continue." (Source: MarineLog) 

20/26


FARSTAD SHIPPING ANNOUNCES CHARTER CONTRACTS 

Subsea vessel Far Saga (2001, 

UT 745L, 3.475 DWT) has been 

awarded a 6 month firm 

contract by Subsea 7 in 

Norway. The charter will 

commence immediately and 

include an option for further 15 

months. AHTS Far Sabre (2008, 

UT 712L, 15.900 BHP) has been 

awarded a 5 month firm 

contract by Shell in Brazil. The 

charter will commence 

immediately and include an 

option for Shell for further 3 x 

1 month. Petrobras has 

exercised their option to extend the contract for AHTS Far Scout (2001, UT 722L, 18.000 BHP) for 

further 144 days. The total value of the contracts, exclusive options, is approximately NOK 105 

million. (Source & Photo: Farstad) 

Advertisement 

BALDER VIKING ASSIST OIL DRILLING WEST OF GREENLAND 

TransAtlantic has signed a contract with 

the English company Capricorn Energy 

Ltd, for the AHTS/Icebreaker Balder 

Viking. Capricorn is a wholly owned 

subsidiary of the British oil company 

Cairn Energy UK PLC based in 

Edinburgh. The AHTS/Icebreaker 

Balder Viking will assist oil drilling west 

of Greenland, starting in end of April 

2011. The operation extends over a four 

month period. The assignment is for 

―supply services‖ for the drilling 

operation and will probably also include towing of but not icebreaking as the operation will take 

place in open water. (Source: Businesswire; Photo: Shipspotting) 

21/26


AHT VICTORY DELIVERED 

An.Do.Fe Shipping Management is 

pleased to inform you that our new 

building AHT "Victory" (Imo 9593232) 

has been delivered on the 19th of March 

2011 from Yong Choo Kui Shipbuilding 

SDN BHD in Sibu - Sarawak (Malaysia) to 

her owners Sedna Towage & Offshore- 

Servicos de Transporte Maritimos Lda – 

Madeira; Portugal. She is registered under 

the flag of Portugal with call sign CQNV. 

The AHT has a length of 38.00 mtrs a 

beam of 10.80 mtrs and a design draft of 

4.00 mtrs. The vessel has 2 Caterpillar Main engines with a total output of 3840kW (5150 bhp) and 

performed a bollard pullm of 64.5 tons and a speed of 14 knots. She has a grt of 494 tons a dwt of 

400 tons and a nrt of 148 tons and is classed RINA and managed by An.Do.Fa. (Photo: An.Do.Fe) 

(see TT&O issue 12 also) 

WINDFARM NEWS 

Advertisement 

Manufacturing & Design of 

Class approved 

Active Heave 

Compensated 

CRANES & WINCHES 

For Marine and Offshore up to 500 ton 

Sold & Serviced World Wide 

www.ahc-cranes.com 

NEW TURBINE INSTALLATION VESSEL CONCEPT 

22/26 

AHC Cranes Pte Ltd 

Company No.:201004355K 

151 Chin Swee Road 

#03-28 Manhattan House 

Singapore 169876 

Tel. : +65 9059 6585 

Fax : +65 6735 8015 

SKYPE: ahccranes 

ahccranes@gmail.com 

Wärtsilä and Aker Solutions have joined forces 

to develop a new concept for offshore wind 

farm installation vessels. According to the 

contract, which was signed earlier this year, 

Wärtsilä will provide the new installation 

vessels with the ship design, electrical power 

generation, propulsion machinery and highend 

automation, whilst Aker Solutions will 

supply the jacking system, which has been 

customised for turbine installation vessels 

(TIVs). The three Wärtsilä 6L34DF and two 

Wärtsilä 9L20DF dual-fuel engines, which will


provide main and auxiliary power for the vessel, can operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG) with 

low emissions. Heat from the engine cooling system will be utilised to generate drinking water, 

and to supply hot water for use by the crew. The accommodation heating on board will also use 

the same heat source, while absorption chiller units will provide air conditioning during summer 

months. (Source: Baird) 

WOLF 4 TOWED PONTOON TOW 3 

On the picture you see the tug Wolf 4 

towing the pontoon TOW 3 loaded with 2 

transition pieces for the Bard windfarm. Tug 

and barge are owned by Wulf from 

Cuxhaven. Picture is taken 25th of March in 

the German Bight. (Photo: Marcel van 

Honk) 

YARD NEWS 

Advertisement 

SWISSCO ORDERS THREE NEW OFFSHORE SUPPORT VESSELS 

Swissco Holdings Ltd (―Swissco‖ or together with its subsidiaries, the ―Group‖) announces that it 

has, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Swissco Energy Services Pte Ltd and Swissco Offshore 

Pte Ltd, entered into shipbuilding contracts for the construction and delivery of three offshore 

support vessels (―OSV‖). Such OSVs comprise one anchor-handling tug supply vessel and two 

utility vessels. The total contract value for the construction of the aforementioned OSVs is 

approximately S$27 million, excluding owner supplied items. The OSVs will be constructed in the 

province of Guangzhou in China, and are expected to be delivered to the Group by the end of 

2012. Designed and equipped to meet the ever changing demands of its clients, these OSVs are 

expected to be deployed in the region as well as to oil & gas fields in the Middle East. ―Even though 

charter rates have not fully recovered from the effects of the last financial setback in 2008,‖ says 

23/26


Mr. Robert Chua, Chairman of Swissco Holdings Ltd., ―our organisation needs to position ourselves 

in preparation for the recovery. We are building vessels on a selective level and keeping to our 

niche in the OSV market for the time being.‖ The funding for the construction of the 

aforementioned OSVs is expected to be from internal resources as well as bank borrowings. The 

Group currently owns and operates a fleet of thirty-eight OSVs, and expects to take delivery of 

additional five vessels in 2011 and with the aforementioned order, another three vessels in 2012. 

(Source: Swissco) 

STX OSV WINS CONTRACT TO CONSTRUCT PSV 

STX OSV Holdings Limited, one of the 

major global designers and shipbuilders of 

offshore and specialized vessels, 

announces that it has secured a new 

contract for the design and construction 

of a Platform Supply Vessel with NorSea 

Group AS. The vessel will be of STX 

OSV‘s own PSV 08 design, and is 

scheduled for delivery from STX OSV 

Brattvaag in Norway in June 2012. The 

hull will be delivered from STX OSV in 

Romania. The vessel is a multifunctional PSV of approximately 4000 dwt and with a deck area of 

880 m2. In addition, the vessel is equipped with standby rescue, firefighting and oil recovery 

functionality. NorSea Group AS, based in Stavanger, Norway, is a leading supplier of base services 

and integrated logistics solutions for the oil and gas industry in Norway. The vessel will be 

operated by Eidesvik Offshore AS. (Source: STX) 

SIGNAL WINS $47M CONTRACT FOR ATB 

Signal International has been awarded a $47M contract by Kirby Ocean Transport Company of 

Houston, Texas, to build an articulated tug/barge (AT/B) unit with an option for an additional 

unit. The AT/B vessel is comprised of a 20,000 DWT ocean bulk barge with a 6,000 BHP AT/B 

ocean tug. The barge will measure 480 ft x 90 ft x 36 ft and will be outfitted with Ocean Tug & 

Barge Engineering‘s Articouple connection. The 6,000 HP tugboat will be 125 ft x 42 ft x 22 ft 

built and classed to ABS Maltese Cross, +A1 Ocean Towing Service standards. The AT/B will 

transport dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade. The barge fabrication work will 

commence in the second quarter of 2011 at Signal‘s state-of-the-art continuous flow 

manufacturing facility in Orange, Texas, which has 450,000 sq. ft. of covered fabrication area. The 

first AT/B will complete in 14 months. The option AT/B can be built in less than 12 months. This 

facility recently completed two of the world‘s largest floating power generation barges within a 

180-day production schedule. ―The fabrication of the AT/B is well-suited to our Orange shipyard 

and experienced management team,‖ stated Dick Marler, Chairman and CEO of Signal 

International, noting that the contract also puts Signal‘s Orange shipyard squarely back into 

shipbuilding. ―A return to shipbuilding has been a strategic goal of Signal and we have all of the 

resources necessary to be competitive with regard to cost and schedule for a variety of ship and 

vessel designs.‖ Marler added, ―In terms of job creation this contract will peak at an employment 

level of around 500 craft personnel. Hiring will begin in late June in primarily the fitter and 

welder trades. We expect to add four hundred workers at our Orange Shipyard. (Source: 

24/26


MarineLink) 

STX OSV WINS ORDER FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW 

PSV 

STX OSV Holdings Limited (―STX OSV‖), 

one of the major global designers and 

shipbuilders of offshore and specialized 

vessels, announces that it has secured a 

new contract for the design and 

construction of a Platform Supply Vessel 

for an undisclosed customer. The vessel 

will be of STX OSV‘s own PSV 09 design, 

and is scheduled for delivery from STX 

OSV in Norway in 2012. The hull will be 

delivered from STX OSV in Romania. 

(Source: STX OSV) 

SARTOR OFFSHORE ORDERS HAVYARD PSV 

Havyard Ship Technology has 

signed a contract with Sartor 

Offshore for the delivery of a 

Havyard 832 L platform supply 

vessel with an option for an 

additional ship. The ship will be 

built at Havyard Ship 

Technology‘s yard in Leirvik in 

Sogn and will be delivered in 

January 2012. The option is scheduled for delivery in June 2012. This contract is for the eleventh 

in the series of the 832 L PSV design. The 4,200DWT vessels have a deck area of 900 square metres 

and speed of 15 knots. (Source: Baird) 

WEBSITE NEWS 

HTTP://WWW.TOWINGLINE.COM 

ARE YOU ALSO INTERES T ED IN THIS FREE TUGS TOW ING & OFFSHO RE NEWSLETTER. 

PLEASE VIS IT THE WEBS ITE HT T P ://WW W.TO W I N G L I N E . C O M AND SUBSCR IBE YOURSE LF FOR 

FREE 

Last week there have been new updates posted: 

1. Several updates on the News page posted last week: 

Mojaweb: A Major RAstar 3600 Fire-Fighting Tug from Robert Allan Ltd. 

MTB Workboats Malta – 21st – 24th September 2011 

Movie of the Salvage and towage of the Aquarius 

25/26


Update: Grounding Oliva at Tristan da Cunha 

mailto:Please note that my e-mail address has changed into jvds@towingline.com 

This site is intended to be collective exchange of information. Information on this site has been pulled from many sources; we have 

attempted to credit these sources. But due to the multitude of sources sometimes we are unable to note all the sources. If you feel that 

material that is posted here is of your authorship and you have not been credited properly please alert us and I will correct the credit or 

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The compiler of the Tugs Towing & Offshore Newsletter disclaim all liability for any loss, damage or expense however caused, arising 

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