6 e jaargang, nr. 1
dd.02 January 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
SmitWijs London had geen last van zeebeving.
Jullie berichtje ontvangen. Ik kan jullie geruststellen, wij hebben er hier niets van gemerkt. Evengoed
verschrikkelijk wat er gebeurd is. Je zult maar onder zo'n kust varen of ten anker liggen. Ik heb de
Bowditch er op nagekeken, daar staat het fenomeen Tsunami in beschreven. Op zee en in diep water
heb je er nagenoeg geen last van. Het wordt pas link met ondiep water en oplopende bodem. Het
heeft wel gevolgen voor ons Italiaans gevolg en ons. In Sri Lanka, na de natuurramp met al z'n
gevolgen, staan ze niet direct in de rij voor de LT Lloydiana. Verzekering en eigenaren verwachten dat
Colombo een no go wordt, zijn al naarstig op zoek naar een andere haven. Met al de logistieke
problemen die zo'n operatie meebrengen zijn dat er niet te veel waaruit ze kunnen kiezen. Wij zijn
benieuwd waar we terechtkomen met onze sleep. (Bron: Kapitein Kees Pronk)
Op reis met de SmitWijs Rotterdam (5)
Aflevering vijf aangaande de Smitwijs Rotterdam op reis met de H851 van Vlissingen naar Corpus
Christi. Zoals verleden week vermeld zijn we afgelopen week de Caribische Zee binnen gevaren,
hoewel niet tussen Martinique en Dominica in, maar, doordat onze snelheid zodanig was dat we te
vroeg in Corpus Christi aan zouden komen hebben we er voor gekozen om nog wat lagere breedtes
op te zoeken en tussen Martinique en Saint Lucia door te varen. Hadden er prachtig weer bij en
werden vermaakt met vakantiegangers die vanuit nieuwsgierigheid met hun zeil jachtjes onze
nabijheid op zochten. Met de passage tussen de eilanden door waren we ook de Noordnoordoostelijk
oceaan deining kwijt, niet dat we nou zwaar hadden liggen slingeren, maar stil liggen was na drie
weken toch wel weer aangenaam en wende al snel. Helaas was een van de mannen aan boord niet in
goede doen en had medische zorg nodig, aanvankelijk binnenshuis, maar al snel werd contact
gezocht met RCC Den Helder voor radio medisch advies en veranderden we koers richting Curaçao
indien het noodzakelijk mocht worden om te medivakken, dat kwam er uiteindelijk ook nog van, en
waar we eigenlijk op een rustige eerste kerstdag hadden gerekend, lagen we in de vroege ochtend
van de 25ste december voor Willemstad. Diep water alom, dus konden we de draad op lengte houden
en toch een zodanig matige vaart lopen dat de locale loodsboot langszij kon komen om de patiënt van
ons over te nemen. Alles zodanig geregeld dat we op een afgesproken tijd op de meest gunstige
locatie zouden zijn om de vaar afstand voor de loods boot beperkt te houden, maar was het natuurlijk
Murphies Law die roet in het eten gooide. " Een probleem met de machine van de brug" De bekende
pontjes brug wilde dus niet open en hield de loods boot gevangen. Uiteindelijk werd het probleem snel
verholpen, en met enig gemanoeuvreer van onze kant hoefden da mannen niet al te ver naar buiten
te komen, en werd de patiënt naar de wal gebracht terwijl wij weer richting Corpus Christi vertrokken.
Al snel kwam er informatie dat de patiënt in goede handen was en onderzoeken hadden uitgewezen
dat er gelukkig geen zorgelijke zaken speelden, en gaf dat dan weer ruimte om nog wat van de kerst
te maken. Het weer was er ideaal voor, en brandde rond een uur of zes de BBQ op het bak dek waar
een snoer gekleurde lampen aan de sfeer bijdroegen. We bleken ook nog een culinair wonder in de
persoon van onze bootsman aan boord te hebben die onze patiënt verving, niet alleen voldoende en
lekkers voor op de BBQ, maar stond er ook een onvervalste kersttaart op tafel met in gekleurde
mokka crème geschreven wensen voor een Merry Christmas er op. Niet zo groot (?) gelukkig die
taart, hij paste nauwelijks op een dienblad, dus hadden we ook voor tweede kerstdag reden om er
even voor te gaan zitten en de kerstdoos uit te pakken die er vanwege de omstandigheden op eerste
kerstdag bij in geschoten was. De eerste stuurman had mazzel, die kreeg een shawl, niet bepaald iets
wat je in de Caribische zee nodig hebt, maar in Corpus Christi heeft het voor het eerst in jaren
gesneeuwd en is het koud, dus die shawl komt hem nog wel van pas daar. Inmiddels bevinden we ons
al weer ruim benoorden de kust van Colombia en hebben we er prachtig weer bij, de volle maan staat
momenteel boven ons aan een onbewolkte glasheldere hemel en is het zo rustig hier op zee dat we
ons alleen wanen. De snelheid wil er niet af, dat zal je altijd zien wanneer je te vroeg aan dreigt te
komen, en lopen we met minimaal vermogen nog steeds een dikke zeven mijl per uur waar we er
eigenlijk maar vijf nodig hebben om de gestelde ETA te halen, maar goed, in deze tijd van het jaar kan
het weer in de noordelijke golf van Mexico nog wel eens tegen zitten, en is het dan wel lekker om wat
speling te hebben, dus klagen we er maar niet te veel om. Het is al schrijvende inmiddels bijna
middernacht hier, tijd voor het dagrapport en de opkomende wacht, dus doe ik alle lezers hierbij de
beste wensen voor het nieuwe jaar toe komen en hoop ik volgende zondag weer wat te schrijven te
hebben. (Bron: Kapitein Gerrit Verschoor)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Bamse, 370/85 – tug Has been renamed Bamse Tug by Busker og erging AS, Norway and
transferred to Denmark (IS) Registry.
Daya Gemilang, 155/96 – tug. By C.H.Logistics Pte.Ltd. to Danamon Marine Services Pte.Ltd,
Singapore and renamed Sunter.
Everest, (Honeweg – 84), 290/60 – tug, By Michael Gigilines Shipping Co. To Salvage Tugs of
Crete Christos XVII Shipping Co. Both Greece and renamed Christos XVIII
Goliath Thy (Thy – 96), 142/81 – tug, By A/S Zvitzer Denmark to Hansa Liisingu Ltd, Estonia and
renamed Odin II
Hermes, (Bugsier 8 – 77), 358/76 – tug. Has been renamed Luna A by Bugsier Reederei-und
Bergungs-GmbH & Co, Germany and transferred to Denmark Registry.
Kimtrans Daisy, (RDC Daisy – 02), 152/00 – tug. By RDC Marine Pte.Ltd. to Pancon Shipping &
Marine Services Pte.Ltd. both Singapore and renamed Pancon 6
Lancilotto, (Lancelot Ranger – 91, Svitzer Garm – 90), 944/78 – offshore tug/supply. By
Rimorchiatori Sardi SpA, Portugal (MAR) to Augustea Imprese Marittime e di Salvataggi SpA, Italy
and renamed Marzamemi
Lary G Dahl, (LT-20900, 229/54 – TUG. By Turbo Service International, UK to The Govenment of
Bermuda (Department of Marine & Ports Services) Bermuda and renamed Edward M.Stowe
Laurentian, (Labrador Horizon – 01, Simon Labrador – 98, Seaway Labrador – 91) 3375/83 –
offshore supply. By Seismic Exploration International to Standraven Ltd. Both Bahamas and renamed
CGG Laurentian
Maiden Castle, (Conor – 01, Problet – 95), 276/74 – tug. By Portland Port Ltd, to Somara Sarl,
both UK and renamed Massai
Odin II, (Goliath Thy – 03, Thy – 96), 142/81 – tug. By Hansa Liisingu Ltd. Estonia to Hanstholm
Bugserservice A/S Denmark (DIS) and renamed Odin
Smit Bison, (DH Alpha – 03), 160/93 – tug. By Smit Singapore Pte.Ltd. St.Vincent and the
Grenadines to Marine Co.Ltd, UK and renamed Marineco Raksha.
Fairmount Alpine
Fairmount Alpine is de naam van de 3e door Fairmount bestelde sleepboot, voor Fairmount Marine
BV. De oplevering van deze sleepbot is mei 2006.
Vroon
Vroon BV nam op 16 juli 2004 Seaworx over van SvitzerWijsmuller en is voor 100% eigenaar. Het
beheer ging naar Telco Marine BV te Den Helder. Per 1 oktober 2004 zijn alle offshore activiteiten van
Vroon BV onder gebracht in Vroon Offshore Services BV te Den Helder. Daarin zijn ook onderebracht
Telco Marine BV en de dit jaar overgenomen Seaworx BV die vanaf 23 juli 2004 onder Telco Marine
BV viel.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 2
dd. 11 January 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Foutje bedankt
Lawrence Amboldt melde dat hij een fout had ontdekt in de eerste Nieuwsbrief. Hij kwam dan ook
terug met de volgende gegevens. De GOLIATH THY was niet als 'Thy' gebouwd maar als TYR voor
Det Forenede Bugserselskab te Kopenhagen. Bij Hanstholm Bugerservice heet zij ODIN (ex. Odin II-
04, ex. Goliath Thy-03, ex. Tyr-96). Uit 'Marine News' zijn dus de foute gegevens overgenomen.
Lawrence bedankt.
Schieborg
All 15 crew rescued from the burning ship SCHIEBORG in the north sea.
At 16.40 yesterday the Dutch ro/ro vessel SCHIEBORG issued a mayday via Lyngby radio.
SCHIEBORG was burning out of control and the crew was unable to gain control of the fire. The
captain chose to evacuate the ship and all 15 crew went into the ships lifeboat. Rescue helicopters
was at the scene but was only on standby because of the extremely bad weather conditions. The
rescus vessels Nordsøen and Emilie Robin was sent out from Esbjerg and Hvide Sande and two
Esvagt vessels, Esvagt Gamma and Esvagt Omega was directed to the scene and Esvagt Gamma
was able to recover the 15 crew from their lifeboat. The crew was then transferred to Esvagt Omega
which sailed to Esbjerg where the the crew was brought to the the local hopital for treatment. A
Svitzer-Wijsmuller salvage team was sent to the scene with a rescue helicopter to assist Esvagt
Gamma in making towage connection with SCHIEBORG, this was however not necessary as while
enroute the Esvagt Gamma despite the gale force winds and high seas, was able to connect up to the
drifting and abandoned SCHIEBORG, and is now proceding towards Esbjerg. (Bron: Martin
Kristiansen)
Towboat Goes Over Dam; 3 Dead
1/10/05 9:44:26 AM Investigators from Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Pittsburgh are responding to an
overturned towboat in the Ohio River, near the town of Industry. The Coast Guard was notified at 3
a.m. that the M/V Elizabeth M and three of the vessel's six loaded coal barges went over the dam and
sank downriver from the Montgomery Lock, near mile marker 31 on the Ohio River. Local agencies
and crewmen from several nearby towboats, including the Rocket, Sandy Drake, and Lillian G
responded to the overturned vessel. Three victims were recovered at the scene. Three survivors were
rescued and transported to Beaver Valley Medical Center and Aliquippa Hospital. One crewmember
remains missing. Names of all crewmembers are being withheld, pending notification of family
members. The remaining three barges sank above the dam. A safety zone is in effect from mile
marker 31 to 36 on the Ohio River. An investigation is ongoing. Plans are being developed to recover
the sunken towboat and barges. The Elizabeth M is owned by Campbell Transportation of Charleroi
Socarenam
SOCARENAM zal begin januari vier doppelschroef sleepboten overdragen aan de Franse Marine. Op
de bouwplaten van alle vier sleepboten staat als bouwjaar 2004. De Morse (Y 770), Otarie (Y771) en
Loutre (Y772) zijn bestemd voor Toulon en de Phoque (Y773) zal naar Cherbourg gaan. 15m55 x
6m40 2m10, 2xBaudouin totaal 800 apk, paaltrek 10 ton. In januari werd het eerste casco uit Polen te
Bonen, voor een serie van vijf duwboten, verwacht die de Compagnie Fluviale de Transport (CFT) bij
SOCARENAM in opdracht heeft gegeven. De CFT heeft in Nederland ook de duwboot Scaldis (ex.
Crismar-01) aangekocht. Een nieuw naam is op dit moment niet bekend en ze was eind 2004 nog
niet aan CFT overgedragen. De overdracht zal wel begin dit jaar gebeuren. (Bron: Lawrence
Amboldt)
Havenbestuur Anjouan
De OLÉRON en de NOIRMOUTIER zullen in januari 2005 aan het havenbestuur van Anjouan in de
Comoren verkocht worden. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Les Abeilles
Les Abeilles Dunkerque heeft de Honco van Remolques Unidos, Santander aangekocht, 358 brt,
2002 gebouwd ,55 ton paaltrek, 4400 apk volgens verkoper, 4054 apk volgens BV. De sleepboot
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
werd tegen eind januari te Duinkerken verwacht. Ze zal de Indrepide vervangen, die voor het werk in
de kleinere dokken te groot is. Volgens de bemanningen in Duinkerken zal de INTRÉPIDE in maart
weer naar SURF gaan, wat ook een onderdeel is van de Bourbon Groep, net zo als Les Abeilles.
(Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Hepworth
Bij de Engelse scheepswerf Hepworth te Paull (bij Hull) is een zusterschip van de vorig jaar
opgeleverde AFON ALAW (2600apk, paaltrek 35 t) voor HolyheadTowing Co. Ltd. in aanbouw, met
oplevering tijdens de lente. De AFON ALAW is overigens onlangs naar de Kaspische Zee vertrokken
om daar voor de olie industrie te gaan werken. Mogelijk zal haar zusje hetzelfde doen. (Bron:
Lawrence Amboldt)
St. Lawrence Seaway Closes
1/06 The St. Lawrence Seaway officially closed for the season on December 30, 2004, with the
passage of the McKeil Marine integrated tug and barge, McCleary’s Spirit, through the St. Lambert
Lock at 5:51 a.m. in the Montreal/Lake Ontario section. The Seaway opened its 46th shipping season
on March 25 and remained open for 281 days in 2004. The Welland Canal section closed at 5:19 p.m.
on December 31, with the transit of the Canada Steamship Lines vessel CSL Niagara. (Bron: Jan van
der Doe)
Solstad Offshore and DOF establish joint company in Far East
Solstad Offshore ASA and DOF ASA (DOF) have decided to expand their cooperation, and will join
forces in the Far East offshore market, together with Nortrans Pte Ltd. (Nortrans) of Singapore.
According to a recent statement, a jointly owned company under the working name of NOR Offshore
Pte Ltd will be established, to be owned one third each by the parties. The JV will have its main office
in Singapore and it is now recruiting senior personnel.
Semco and Fairmount form OneAllianz
A major new force in the long haul ocean towage market has been established by Fairmount Marine
BV, of The Netherlands, and Singapore-based Semco Salvage & Marine Pte Ltd. With immediate
effect, the two companies' ocean towage fleets and expertise have been pooled in 'OneAllianz.' The
objective is to offer clients in the offshore and other sectors access to a fleet of tug newbuildings
specially equipped for long range, high value towage. The pool can be further expanded to include
other partners with similar new tugs, so further enhancing OneAllianz resources. In due course, the
OneAllianz pool, operating commercially from Singapore and Rotterdam, will consist of seven powerful
newbuild anchor handling/salvage/long haul towing vessels.
Broker provides update on North Sea supply vessel market
Offshore Shipbrokers Ltd (OSL) says the sport market in the North Sea continues to improve, and
November was undoubtedly the best month of 2004, with rates for PSV fixtures reaching record levels
and AHTS rates equally buoyant. The company said November got off to a good start continuing on
from the tight market seen during October with rates fluctuating around the £15,000-£20,000 level. By
the middle ofthe month however things had tightened even further with rates now reaching and
exceeding the £40,000 level. December started well, but by the end of the first week rate levels had
fallen considerably to around the £7500 level. This situation lasted for several days until availability
tightened once again and rates started to climb. Rates then rose to hit the £50,000 level for rig moves.
OSL said it expects things to remain reasonably tight into January. "Confidence is also beginning to
grown in the term market with rates for recent term charters now beginning to creep up in response
topredicted activity," said OSL. "Requirements commencing during the summer months of 2005 are
attracting an additional premium due to the expected limited availability."
Farstad awards contracts for newbuilds
Farstad Shipping in Norway has placed orders for the vessels it requires following its Letter of Intent
awarded by Norsk Hydro regarding long-term chartering of three (PSVs). Two of the contracts require
newbuildings. Farstad Shipping has, through its subsidiary Farstad Supply AS, reached an agreement
with Aker Brattvåg AS for the construction of two UT 715E PSVs for delivery in May and October
2006. The contracts with the yard are conditional on the contracts with Norsk Hydro.
Aker Yards confirms receipt of new contracts
Aker Brattvaag AS has confirmed that it has secured a contract from Farstad Supply AS for two
UT751 E PSVs. The yard said the vessels are scheduled for delivery from Søviknes Verft in May and
September 2006. The UT 751 Es, designed by Rolls-Royce Marine, will have a length of 93m, a beam
of 21m and will be equipped with innovative technology and have particularly high cargo capacities.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Aker Yards to build PSV for Olympic Shipping
Aker Brevik AS has been awarded a contract by Olympic Kombiskip KS, in Fosnavåg, Norway, to
build a UT 755LN PSV. This is the seventh contract between the Olympic Shipping group and Aker
Yards. Aker Brevik AS will deliver five ships of this type in 2005. The hull for the ship will be built at
Aker Brevik's subsidiary in Romania, Aker Braila, and the delivery of the vessel is scheduled for mid-
September 2005.
NorSkan orders another AHTS
Aker Promar, the Brazilian arm of Aker Brattvaag AS, has been awarded a contract worth
approximately US$45.9 million by NorSkan Offshore Ltda, Brazil, to build a UT722L AHTS. Delivery
from Aker Promar is scheduled for June 2006.
IOS acquires Lady Sandra
International Offshore Services ANS (IOS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Farstad Shipping ASA, has
declared its option with DOF to purchase the anchor handling vessel Lady Sandra. The vessel, a
KMAR 404, has been bareboat chartered by IOS since it was delivered in 1998, and has operated in
the Far East/Australia since delivery. It is currently working for Shell in Malaysia. IOS will take over the
ship in August 2005.
Bharati wins supply ships
India’s Bharati Shipyard has added two more ships to its orderbook in a deal with France's Groupe
Bourbon. The bulker and offshore shipowner has ordered two $8m multipurpose supply vessels for
delivery in June and September 2006. The export deal for Bourbon’s Surf unit is eligible for a 30%
subsidy. Bharati recently executed a successful initial public offering of its shares. It is building ships
for Great Eastern and Q Ship. Bourbon is also building an offshore vessel at the Ulstein yard in
Norway.
Smit Anambas
De Italiaanse sleepboot Letojanni, met de Smit Anambas op sleeptouw, heeft op 29 december zuid
west van Kaap Finisterre haar sleepdraad gebroken. De sleepboot heeft kans gezien de nooddraad
van de Smit Anambas op te pikken. Afgelopen woensdag is het transport Falmouth binnen gelopen
om het sleepgerei weer op orde te brengen. De Letojanni heeft donderdag het transport verlaten om
een andere sleepreis te gaan uitvoeren vanuit Le Trait – Frankrijk. De Italiaanse sleepboot rederij
heeft de Kooren sleepboot ZP Montelena gecontracteerd om de Smit Anambas naar Rotterdam te
slepen. Het transport zal waarschijnlijk dit weekend de Waterweg binnenkomen. Jammer voor de
sleepboot liefhebbers die graag een plaatje wilde schieten van de Letojanni. In iedergeval houden we
u op de hoogte van de aankomst van de Smit Anambas, voor de eerste keer in Rotterdam (Bron:
Hans van der Ster)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 3
dd. 16 January 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
BP Tugs
De BP sleepboten te Coryton zullen door het Schotse Targe Towing worden beheerd. De eerste
sleepboot, de Stanford, zal op 1 maart te Rotterdam door Damen worden afgeleverd. De Castle
Point zal op 15 maart volgen en de Corrngham op 1 juni. Alle sleepboten zijn ASD 3211, 2xMaK
6M25, totaal 5300 apk, 2x Aquamaster, 32m22 x 11m70 x 5m30, brt 385t, paaltrek 70 t. (Bron:
Lawrence Amboldt)
Chambon
President Marine in Singapore heeft in december een Robert Allan ASD opgeleverd aan Compagnie
Maritime Chambon, Marseille. De Kaori gaat havendiensten verrichten te Nouméa en zal daar een
van de vier sleepboten van Chambon gaan vervangen. De afmetingen van de Kaori zijn 23m80 x
11m00 x 4m18, 2x Caterpillar 3512B elk 1305 kW, totaal 3546 apk, 2 x Schottel SRP 1010FP. (Bron:
Lawrence Amboldt)
Boluda
Bij Union Naval de Levante is de V. B. Tamaulifas van stapel gelopen, de eerste van drie voor Boluda
van hetzelfde Robert Allan type als de Kaori, maar met sterkere motoren, eveneens Caterpillar.
Union Naval de Levante bouwt ook drie sleepboten van dit type voor Brazilië. (Bron: Lawrence
Amboldt)
Adsteam
De Collingwood van Adsteam is verhuisd van Liverpool naar Grimsby. De nieuwe Adsteam Ferriby,
gebouwd door Damen in China, zal de komende dagen op een schip worden gezet en in maart op de
Humber woden verwacht. De Ganges, sinds 2003 te Grimsby, zou verkocht zijn, maar dat is niet
bevestigd. De Gurrong gaat van de Thames naar de Medway en zal worden hernoemt in Adsteam
Victory (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Abeille
The first of the new salvage tugs for les Abeilles, the Abeille Bourbon, is expected to be delivered in
February and to go on station at Brest in March. She is to be named by Mme Chirac. Her sister, the
Abeille Liberte, will follow in July and she is to be based at Cherbourg. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Texas Crew Rescued From Burning Tugboat
Publication date: 2005-01-10 A four-man crew has been rescued from a burning tugboat in the
Intracoastal Waterway near Port Isabel, Texas, the Coast Guard reported Monday. The tugboat Wally
Blessey was pushing a barge loaded with lube oil when a fire broke out in the engine room just before
it passed under the Queen Isabella Causeway late Sunday night. The tug's captain notified the Coast
Guard at South Padre Island and two 27-foot rescue boats safely pulled the crew from the burning
vessel within 12 minutes. The barge was disconnected and towed away by another tugboat. The
Intracoastal Waterway was closed to traffic until about 3:45 a.m. Monday, the Coast guard said. The
Coast Guard Marine Safety Satellite Office at Brownsville is investigating the incident. (Source: United
Press International)
Ohio River Remains Too Rough to Remove Sunken Tug From Dam
Publication date: 2005-01-11 PITTSBURGH - The Ohio River was a raging muddy brown, flowing high
and fast early Sunday morning when strong currents pushed the Elizabeth M. and its six barges of
coal over a dam, leaving three of its seven crew members dead and one missing Monday. Despite the
conditions, the U.S. Coast Guard apparently didn't believe it necessary to shut the Ohio. The river was
closed for several miles around the scene after the accident and remained closed to most traffic
Monday. Lt. Michael Anderson, chief of port operations for Pittsburgh, said the Coast Guard has
opened an investigation into the accident. But, he said, "in most cases, just because we have high
water doesn't mean we close down the river. There are commercial industries at stake." If high water,
ice or debris is present, Anderson said, the Coast Guard generally meets with the Army Corps of
Engineers and industry officials to determine whether to close the rivers. "Our industry folk generally
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
have a handle on when the river is too high," Anderson said. But Richard Block, secretary of Gulf
Coast Mariners Association, which represents mariners, said that without such closures, the decision
to operate is essentially left to pilots, with frequent pressure from tow operators. The Coast Guard is
"good at closing the barn door after the cow leaves," Block said. "They are reactive rather than
proactive. ... They really don't have all that much experience on the river doing what commercial
towboat people do." Anderson declined to speculate on whether the Ohio should have been closed,
citing the ongoing investigation. He said, however, that the Elizabeth M. crash likely will factor into
future closure decisions. The pilot of the Elizabeth M. had successfully gone through the lock at the
Montgomery Island Dam to move from one river section to another shortly before 2:30 a.m. when
strong currents began sweeping the towboat and barges toward the dam, according to the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers. Because some of the crew were believed to be on the barges, the pilot separated
from the barges to try to swing around and push them from another downstream angle, officials said.
But the current pushed the boat and barges into the dam, with the boat and three barges going
through, they said. Autopsies indicated that the deceased crew members - Scott Stewart, 36, of
Wheeling, W.Va.; Tom Fisher, 25, of Latrobe, Pa.; and Edward Crevda, 22, of West Brownsville, Pa. -
all drowned, Beaver County chief deputy coroner Renea Esoldo said. The Ohio remained too rough
Monday to remove the Elizabeth M., where the seventh crew member was believed to be trapped,
from its resting place at the base of the dam and the six barges. Campbell Transportation Co. Inc. of
Charleroi, which owned the towboat, hired a contractor to find the barges and was developing a
recovery plan, Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Justin Covert said. Campbell Transportation didn't return messages
Monday. Despite danger being as close as the waters on which coal, steel, grain and other freight are
transported, such accidents are rare, officials of the mariners group and a waterways operators' group
said. Fatalities have generally declined over the past seven years, said Anne Davis Burns of the
American Waterways Operators, a barge, tug and tow industry group in Arlington, Va. From 1994 to
2003, the latest year for which figures are available, the industry recorded 164 deaths, according to
the group. While comparisons with rail and trucking are difficult, "we have always maintained that we
are the safest mode of freight transportation," she said. Still, Block said, the industry should be safer.
He said a lack of unionization among the work force leads to risk-taking. "Sometimes [mariners] will be
encouraged, enticed or simply told, 'Well, if you don't do it, we'll find someone who can.' And since
most of these guys are without union representation, that can happen," Block said. According to the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, about 15 percent of all U.S. freight is shipped by barge. Some 30,000
people work in the industry, which ships an average of 806 million tons annually, an increase from the
early to mid 1990s, the American Waterways Operators said. (Source: Charleston Gazette)
Tugboat Sinks, Killing Three People: ; W.Va. Man Among Those Killed in
Accident
Publication date: 2005-01-10 Arrival time: 2005-01-11 INDUSTRY, Pa. - A tugboat and the six barges
of coal it was pushing sank after being swept over a dam spillway on the rain- swollen Ohio River,
killing three crew members, including a West Virginia resident. Another person was missing and
believed to be aboard the sunken boat. The accident happened shortly after 2:30 a.m. Sunday when
the M/ V Elizabeth M was going through the Montgomery Island Dam. The boat was pushing six coal
barges, according to a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard. Officials believe the tug operator may
have tried to swing the boat around to help crew members who were aboard barges when the current
swept the vessels into the dam. When that happened, the barges likely pushed the boat through the
dam, said Richard Lockwood, chief of operations of the Pittsburgh District of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, and John Anderson, the lockmaster. Boats use locks to travel between different sections,
or pools, of the river that have different water levels. Had the M/V Elizabeth M not been swept into the
dam after it left the lock, it would have continued up the river to its destination.
"I would say the whole thing didn't take five minutes until he was through the dam," Anderson said.
The water in the area normally flows at about 3 to 4 miles per hour, but was going about 10 to 15
miles per hour because of recent rains and flooding, he said. The tug was headed north when the
accident happened, said Thomas Llewellyn, the fire chief in Industry, about 25 miles northwest of
Pittsburgh. The tug sunk in the churning water just below the dam; three of the barges sank downriver
from the dam, while the other three barges sank above the dam. "The worst thing was, you could see
two people in the boat screaming for help," over the rush of the water, said Chuck Ward, assistant fire
chief, who was among the first at the scene. But the rushing waters were too dangerous for the fire
crews on land to enter, he said. Several tow boats that were nearby were able to get close to the boat
and helped in the recovery. Don Grimm, president of tug owner Campbell Transportation Co. Inc. of
Charleroi, said he didn't know exactly what happened. "He was shoving out of Montgomery lock and
dam and something happened - we have no idea - and the boat went over the dam," Grimm said.
"We're concerned about the crew members and their families right now." Beaver County chief deputy
coroner Renea Esoldo said Scott Stewart, 36, of Wheeling, W.Va., and Tom Fisher, 25, of Latrobe,
were both pronounced dead at the scene, and Edward Crevda, 22, of West Brownsville, was
pronounced dead at the Medical Center, Beaver. Autopsies were being performed Sunday night.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Two crew members were treated at the Medical Center, Beaver and released Sunday, a spokesman
said. The Coast Guard said survivors were also taken to Aliquippa Community Hospital, but the
hospital said no one was admitted. Officials said they believed the seventh crew member was still on
the ship, but they wouldn't be able to be sure until the waters recede somewhat, and an attempt to
reach the sunken vessel was expected today. The Coast Guard has restricted traffic along five miles
of the Ohio River near the dam. About a dozen onlookers gathered at the scene Sunday afternoon.
One of the barges was partly visible in the water, though the other five were completely submerged.
Andrew Harman, a tow boat captain on another ship, said he knew a pilot who worked on the boat, but
said he doesn't know what happened to the man. "The only thing sticking out of the water right now is
the pilot house," said Harman, of East Liverpool, adding that the boat was about 110 feet long and 26
feet wide. Harman said he's been through the lock many times himself in the past, and that recent
rains and flooding have made the river dangerous. "There's most definitely a strong current," he said.
(Source: Charleston Daily Mail)
3 Torch Offshore ships seized
Creditors say firm's payments overdue Friday, December 31, 2004 In actions Torch Offshore Inc.
executives say could hinder the company's ability to operate, federal agents have seized three of
Torch's vessels, including its $109 million flagship vessel, the Midnight Express. In a filing submitted to
the federal Securities and Exchange Commission after the stock markets closed Wednesday, the
offshore services company based in Gretna revealed that two creditors prompted the vessel seizures
by claiming Torch failed to fulfill financial obligations, including failing to make a payment required by a
$14.5 million loan agreement with General Electric Capital Corp. Torch revealed that it has been hit
with a series of lawsuits from other creditors, which are beginning to circle the company. Torch's
already battered stock hit a 52-week low of $1.10 Thursday before rebounding to close down 38 cents,
or 24 percent, at $1.21. The year has hardly been bountiful for investors who put money into Torch.
The company's shares have declined from a high of $6.37 in January and have provided investors a
one-year return of negative 78 percent. Torch's disclosure centered on two key creditors: GE Capital,
which has provided loan financing for Torch, and C-Mar America Inc., which has provided maritime
workers. According to Torch, GE Capital told Torch this month that the company had defaulted on a
loan by failing to make a quarterly payment due Dec. 17. The default has produced a cascade of
negative effects. Most dramatically, on GE Capital's behalf, federal agents seized Torch's Midnight
Wrangler, a vessel capable of laying pipe in deep water. Torch said it has tried to get the ship back but
isn't sure whether it will be able to do so. In addition, the default means Torch will have to pay a
significantly higher interest rate to GE Capital. Before Torch failed to meet its obligations, its interest
rate under the loan agreement was a variable rate of approximately 7.4 percent. Because of the
default, the interest rate will now be at least 18 percent. Also, Torch said, the default triggered another
default under a separate $7.4 million loan agreement with GE Capital and could "trigger defaults under
other loan agreements." "As a result of the foregoing matters, the company may not have sufficient
funds to finance its operations in the near future and thereafter," Torch said. The Midnight Wrangler
was not the only ship seized -- or "arrested," in Torch's words -- by federal agents on behalf of
creditors. Marshals also seized the Midnight Eagle and the Midnight Express, the pipe-laying ship that
company founder and Chief Executive Lyle Stockstill has billed as a state-of-the-art vessel that will
carry Torch into a prosperous future. Those vessels were seized at the request of C-Mar, which Torch
spokesman Bradley Lowe said had provided maritime workers to Torch. C-Mar prompted the seizures
by filing lawsuits in federal court in Louisiana and Texas, Torch said. It is unclear how much money it
owes C-Mar. "We're not disclosing that number," Lowe said. Another vendor has joined the C-Mar
suit, saying Torch has failed to satisfy debts to that firm as well, Torch said. Without ships, Torch is in
trouble. "Failure to have the vessels released could have a material adverse effect on the company's
ability to continue its operations and may result in further defaults being declared under the loan
agreements for which those vessels serve as collateral," Torch said. Torch reported that still others
claiming to be owed money have come forward with their own lawsuits: -- On Dec. 17, Adams
Vessels (Bilbao) Ltd. sued Torch in U.S. District Court in New York for alleged breach of a June 4
settlement concerning Torch's Midnight Arrow vessel. -- On Dec. 21, Cable Shipping, Inc. filed suit
against Torch in federal district court in New Orleans seeking to enforce a $4.1 million settlement
which was to be paid Nov. 19. Torch's announcement came less than a week after the firm named
David Phelps of Bridge Associates LLC as its chief restructuring advisor in charge of helping to turn
the company around. Torch described bankruptcy protection as just one of its options. A Chapter 11
petition would allow the company to continue operating while it reorganized its finances. "The
company is exploring its strategic options, which may include seeking protection under the federal
bankruptcy code, in conjunction with its ongoing discussions with lenders and other parties to
restructure its debt and other obligations," Torch said. (Bron: Stewart Yerton)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Positions CTA
SmitWijs Singapore: At Willemstad/Curacao, maintenance/repairs, Etd: 15/01. Next: Towage of
Jack-up rig "Ensco 76" from Trinidad to Brownsville/Sabine Pass., Etd: 19 - 21/01. Towage of barge H-
851, loaded, from Corpus Christi to Angola, Etd: 05/02. (together with SW Rotterdam).
SmitWijs London: Towing container-vessel "Lloydiana" from Colombo to Singapore, Eta: 16/01. As
from 15/09 on charter to Saipem for towage of barge S-45, loaded with Yoho-deck from Pasir Gudang
to Nigeria, v.v., Etd.: July. Next: Towage of Semi-sub. rig "Santa Fe Development Driller II" from
Singapore to US-Gulf, Etd.: 15/02.
SmitWijs Rotterdam: Towing of barge "H-851" (ballast) from Rotterdam to Corpus Christi, Eta: 14-
16/01. Presently dodging off Corpus Christi awaiting final arrival ops. Next: Towage of barge "H-851",
loaded, from Corpus Christi to Angola, Etd.: 05/02. (together with SW Singapore)
Wolraad Woltemade: Towing of Sanha FPSO, from Japan to Angola, Eta Cape Town: 08/02.
(Together with De Da).
De Da: Towing of "Sanha" FPSO, see Wolraad Woltemade.
SmitWijs Tempest: T/C Mc. Dermott Middle East.
SmitWijs Typhoon: As from 04/01 T/C Mc. Dermott Far East, Jan * Nov 2005.
Waker: On charter for the Dutch Government.
(Bron: SmitWys Arie Duifjes)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 4
dd. 23 January 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Smit orders new tugs
Smit Transport and Heavy Lift in Rotterdam have ordered 3 new tugs from the IHC Delta yard , the
tugs will have a length of 25,4 mtr, a beam of 10.0 mtr and a maximum draft of 2.70 mtr , 2 ships will
have a fixed wheelhouse 1 one will have a movable wheelhouse.
As reported above SMIT Transport ordered 3 new 350 ton Multi Purpose Pusher Tugs from the IHC
Deltayard, the vessels will have a length of 25.65 mtr , beam of 10.0 mtr and are powered by 2 x
1003 hp engines, for a bollard pull of 25 ton, the maximum speed will be 11 knots, the vessel will be
getting a class Bureau Veritas I 3/3 E notation for the trading in Coastal waters upto 200 miles.
Further details are : Bunker capacity : 60 m3 Potable water : 30 m3 Towing/Anchor winch : 2 drums
line pull 50 tons each Crane : 140 tons/m Stoppers : Karmoy stopper and pins The vessels will have
accommodation for 6 persons divided in 2 double and 2 single cabins. (Bron: Smit Transport Europe
BV)
Ulstein books another
Norwegian yard Ulstein Verft has signed a contract with domestic owner Island Offshore to build a
large Ulstein P101 multifunctional platform supply vessel, a new design. It is costing NOK 290m
($46.31m), bringing the yard’s order reserve to NOK 1.6bn. Island Pioneer, as the vessel will be
named, is to be delivered at the end of March 2006. The hull is being built by Maritim in Poland, while
the superstructure is being built at Ulstein Verft’s division in Vanylven. Ullsteinvik-based Island
Offshore has another supply ship on order at Ulstein, ordered last year.
New vessel for Swissco
The new Swissco Sky" which will be delivered at the end of January 2005 to Swissco Singapore , a
sistership will be delivered later this year.
Hijacked tug and tow found, but crew missing.
A tug and the barge it was towing through South East Asian Waters when it was hijacked by pirates
has been recovered but the crew are still missing and investigators are fearing for their safety. Acting
upon information provided by ICC’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB) and the ship owners,
Malaysian authorities located and boarded the hijacked Indonesian tug Christian and the barge Flora
on January 8. IMB Director Pottengal Mukundan said: “Confidential intelligence from the IMB Piracy
Reporting Centre resulted in the recovery of the hijacked tug and barge at Tawau in East Malaysia. As
part of this operation, the Royal Malaysian Police have detained three pirates and another individual
has been taken into custody. Unfortunately, at this time all nine crew members are still missing.” The
tug was towing the barge from the Philippines to Kota Baru, Banjarmasin in Indonesia. The last
communication the owners had with the tug was on December 14 when the tug was in position lat.
05:34 north and long. 119:22 east. The Royal Malaysian Marine Police discovered the two vessels,
operating under the false identities Hita and FL2 and flying the Belize flag. At the time of seizure, the
vessels were at a local shipyard where staff had been instructed to change the names of the vessels
by altering the lettering of their original names. Captain Mukundan stated: “We congratulate the
Malaysian authorities on the prompt and decisive action taken to recover these stolen vessels. IMB is
pleased that the Piracy Reporting Centre could play a key role in their recovery.”
Harms orders 'super tugs'
Fairplay (www.fairplay.co.uk) reports that Harms Bergung Transport and Heavylift has ordered two
high-sea salvage tugs, believed to be the most powerful tugs ever operated by a German owner.
The multifunction vessels, which are designed for long-distance towage and offshore work, are
enlarged versions of the 120 tonne pulling Primus, which the company received just last month.
Fairplay reports that, like Primus, the new 15,000kW tugs will have a twin propulsion system acting on
two propellers in nozzles. Their bollard pull should reach at least 180 tonnes. The tugs, which are to
be named Magnus and Taurus, are scheduled for delivery by Mützelfeldtwerft in Cuxhaven in August
and November 2006. (Bron: Fairplay via Leo Kramer)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Smit overweegt op termijn verkoop divisie Heavy Lift
AMSTERDAM (ANP-AFX) - Smit Internationale overweegt op termijn zijn divisie Transport & Heavy
Lift te verkopen om daarmee een grote aankoop voor het onderdeel Havensleepdiensten te
bekostigen. Dat zegt Ben Vree (50), bestuursvoorzitter van Smit Internationale in een interview met
ANP-Reuters. Vree stelt dat aandeelhouders op termijn beter gediend zijn bij een focus van zijn bedrijf
op de divisies Havensleepdiensten en Terminals, omdat de voorspelbaarheid en stabiliteit van deze
activiteiten hoog is. De divisie Transport & Heavy Lift, die ondermeer zwaar transport over water
verzorgt, heeft echter een cyclisch karakter. Vree: "Het zou dus mogelijk zijn dat we het tafelzilver
verkopen om ons te versterken in stabielere activiteiten. Daarmee kopen we voorspelbaarheid. Let
wel, het is een optie op termijn. Momenteel staat er niets in de etalage. Dat gebeurt dit jaar ook niet."
Vree gaf eerder al aan dat hij op zoek is naar overnames voor zijn divisie Havensleepdiensten. Hij
voerde hiertoe in het afgelopen jaar onderhandelingen, maar deze zijn op niets uitgelopen. "Meestal
kwam dat omdat de prijs te hoog was", aldus de bestuurder. Momenteel spreekt Smit nog steeds met
verschillende overnamekandidaten. De voorkeur van Vree gaat uit naar bedrijven in Latijns-Amerika
en Azie. "Dan moet je denken aan landen zoals Chili, Venezuela en Brazilie. Of in Azie aan Hongkong
en Shanghai, waar we nog niet vertegenwoordigd zijn." Vree wil daarbij meerderheidsbelangen
vergaren in joint ventures of bedrijven volledig overnemen. Vree, die in mei 2002 aantrad als hoogste
baas binnen Smit, wil voor het einde van dit jaar zijn eerste overname aankondigen binnen
Havensleepdiensten. "Binnen drie tot vier jaar moeten dat er een paar zijn. Over vier tot vijf jaar moet
alles op de rit staan", zegt hij. In het uitbouwen van belangen in bestaande joint ventures heeft Vree
minder interesse. Smit heeft zulke samenwerkingsverbanden in Belgie, Mexico en Singapore en de
topman is daarmee tevreden. De bestuursvoorzitter denkt niet dat er geemitteerd moet worden om
kleinere overnames te bekostigen. "Met eigen middelen en bankleningen komen we een heel eind."
Dat Smit naar dat middel grijpt indien zich grotere vissen aandienen, sluit de CEO echter niet uit.
Nu het financiele jaar 2004 is afgesloten, is Smit druk aan het rekenen hoeveel nettowinst dit jaar
gerapporteerd kan worden. Op 17 maart presenteert het bedrijf de jaarcijfers. Vree houdt vast aan de
eerder gegeven winstprognose van eur 21 mln. In 2005 voorziet hij qua autonome ontwikkeling een
stabiel jaar bij de divisies Havensleepdiensten en Terminals, Berging noemt hij onvoorspelbaar en
Transport & Heavy Lift cyclisch. "Bij de laatste divisies hebben we enkele grote orders in de pijplijn",
aldus de bestuurder. Vree sluit niet uit dat de vloedgolf die een deel van Azie trof, Smit werk oplevert.
"Er is daar natuurlijk veel beschadigd. We zouden kunnen helpen met bijvoorbeeld hijswerk bij het
aanleggen van steigers, waterleidingpijpen trekken van het land naar de zee of assistentie bij de bouw
van bruggen." De bestuurder erkent wel dat er nog veel meer partijen in staat zijn tot het leveren van
zulke werkzaamheden, wat dus concurrentie oplevert. Halverwege dit jaar verwacht Smit nieuwe
ontwikkelingen in het onderzoek door de Europese Commissie naar ontvangen overheidsubsisies bij
de divisie Havensleepdiensten. Een concurrent van Smit heeft hiertegen bezwaar aangetekend,
waarna Smit met de Nederlandse overheid een schikking trof tot terugbetaling van hulpgelden
ontvangen vanaf 1 juli 2001. Ergens midden dit jaar loopt de termijn af waarop de klager nog in hoger
beroep kan gaan tegen het schikkingsvoorstel. Vree: "Dat schikkingsbedrag ligt klaar betaald te
worden, er is een voorziening voor getroffen. Maar als de klager hoger beroep aantekent, kunnen we
weer terug bij af zijn." Vree hoopt erop dat de schikking doorgang vindt. "Over de oorspronkelijke
claim zei ik eerder dat bij betaling ervan 'het licht uit kan' bij Havensleepdiensten", aldus de CEO.
Een ander onderzoek, door de NMa, naar prijsafspraken bij bergingswerkzaamheden, loopt ook nog
steeds. "Ik heb er de laatste tijd niets meer over gehoord. Maar mijn advocaten wijzen erop dat zulke
zaken veel tijd in beslag kunnen nemen. Over prijsafspraken ben ik helder: dat er hier en daar een
'dealtje' plaatsvindt, dat zal best. Maar grootschalige structurele zaken, dat kan niet. Ik laat dat ook
weten aan onze mensen, zeg dat bij elke grote bijeenkomst die we hier hebben. Over de
beursnotering van Smit is Vree nog steeds tevreden, hoewel hij toegeeft dat er weinig liquiditeit is in
het aandeel en de notering geld kost. "Aan de andere kant zou het ook geld kosten om weer van de
beurs af te gaan. Bovendien vinden klanten het een veilig idee dat er een waakhond is. Maar per
definitie zit je er toch om geld uit te halen. Voor een 'klapper' van een overname, zou die mogelijkheid
er dan ook zijn." (Bron: ANP-AFX via Leo Kramer)
Smit heavy lift not for sale
SMIT International chief executive Ben Vree has denied media reports that the group is about to sell
its transport and heavy lift division. “That is out of the question”, Vree said, adding that Smit’s strategy
is to continue aiming for stability through development of the harbour towage and terminals divisions.
Vree admitted that the results by the transport and heavy lift diversion are under pressure as a result
of rising costs of security measures taken. However he stressed Smit would never economise on the
well-being of its workers
Positions CTA
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
SmitWijs Singapore: At Trinidad. Next: Towage of Jack-up rig "Ensco 76" from Trinidad to
Brownsville/Sabine Pass., Etd: 20 - 21/01. Towage of barge H-851, loaded, from Corpus Christi to
Angola, Etd: 05/02. (together with SW Rotterdam).
SmitWijs London: At Singapore. As from 15/09 on charter to Saipem for towage of barge S-45,
loaded with Yoho-deck from Pasir Gudang to Nigeria, v.v., Etd.: July. Next: Towage of Semi-sub. rig
"Santa Fe Development Driller II" from Singapore to US-Gulf, Etd.: 15/02 (on charter as from 07/02).
SmitWijs Rotterdam: At Corpus Christi. Next: Towage of barge "H-851", loaded, from Corpus Christi
to Angola, Etd.: unknown, but on charter as from 05/02. (together with SW Singapore)
Wolraad Woltemade: Towing of Sanha FPSO, from Japan to Angola, Eta Cape Town: 06/02.
(Together with De Da).
De Da: Towing of "Sanha" FPSO, see Wolraad Woltemade.
SmitWijs Tempest: T/C Mc. Dermott Middle East.
SmitWijs Typhoon: As from 04/01 T/C Mc. Dermott Far East, Jan * Nov 2005.
Waker: On charter for the Dutch Government. (Bron: SmitWijs)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 5
dd. 30 January 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Smit Orca
Afgelopen vrijdag, 28 januari 2005, is de Smit Orca overgedragen aan de Unie van Redding en
Sleepdienst (URS). Momenteel is het vaartuig werkzaam aan de westkust van Afrika. (Bron: Hans van
der Ster)
Farstad cancels Brattvaag ships
Monday, 24 January 2005 NORWEGIAN offshore support specialist Farstad Shipping has cancelled
its contract for two vessels Aker Brattvaag AS. The move follows cancellation of a charter party
between Norsk Hydro and Farstad Shipping after allegations were made that bidding procedures had
been breached. According to an Aker press statement an agreed cancellation fee will be covered by
Farstad Supply. It adds: “Aker Yards is already pursuing alternatives for these production slots, which
are considered to be attractive in today’s market.” (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Police detains four, recovers missing tug and barge
POLICE have detained four men and recovered the missing tug Christian and barge Flora, which
were hijacked by pirates on Dec 14. International Maritime Bureau (IMB) director Capt Pottengal
Mukundan said following a tip off, the tug and barge were recovered in Tawau, Sabah but the nine
crewmen are still missing. The tug was towing the barge from the Philippines to Kota Baru,
Banjarmasin in Indonesia when it was attacked. Police discovered the two vessels, operating under
the false identities “Hita” and “FL2” and flying the Belize flag. At the time of seizure, the vessels were
at a local shipyard where staff had been instructed to change the names of the vessels by altering the
lettering of their original names. Capt Mukundan thanked the Malaysian police for their prompt and
decisive action to recover these stolen vessels. According to statistics recorded by the Piracy
Reporting Centre, during 2004 there were 23 incidents involving tugs and barges, including five
hijackings by criminal gangs operating in Southeast Asia. In many of these attacks, master and crew
were kidnapped and pirates demanded ransom for their release. (Bron: Shipping News)
Grounding corks Zeebrugge
Local tugs freed the 103,000-dwt Minerva Eleonora (built 2004) this afternoon from a sandbank
outside Zeebrugge. Local Belgian media report that two Unie van Reddings- en Sleepdiensten
(URS) vessels pulled the fully-laded crude carrier off the sand early this afternoon. Operations to
relieve the grounding this morning had blocked traffic inbound to the port. Minerva Marine has a
young 25-ship fleet counting newbuildings, including 15 aframaxes. Minerva Eleonora was delivered
last June by Samsung. (Bron: Shipping News)
Tug captain missing
The US Coast Guard was scouring the lower Mississippi River this morning for any sign of a tugboat
captain who went down with his vessel in the early morning hours near Destrahan, Louisiana. The
Coast Guard said two crew members were able to scramble off the sinking 65-foot tug John 1:1
shortly before 2 a.m., but the captain did not. The vessel went down near mile marker 120, about
four miles south of the I-310 bridge. Coast Guard Group New Orleans dispatched a rescue boat and a
rescue helicopter. They were joined by local sheriff's crews which searched the nearby levee with no
results. The Coast Guard has established a safety zone between mile markers 117 and 115 with a
one-way traffic restriction (Bron: Shipping News)
Seabulk Offshore adds to fleet
Seabulk International, Inc. announced that it had taken delivery of two newbuild vessels for its
international offshore fleet -- the Seabulk Angra and Seabulk Advantage -- bringing to nine the
number of new vessels added in the last two years. The Seabulk Angra is a 5,500-horsepower, 236foot
UT-755L platform supply vessel built at the Promar shipyard outside Rio de Janeiro. It will join its
sister vessel, the Seabulk Brasil, on a two-year time charter, with options, for Petrobras, the Brazilian
national oil company, ferrying equipment and supplies to offshore drilling rigs in the Campos Basin.
Offshore Brazil is a new market for Seabulk and a promising area for significant new offshore oil and
gas discoveries. The Seabulk Advantage is a 4,800-horsepower, multi-purpose offshore supply
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
vessel equipped with a four-point-mooring system and purchased from Jaya Shipbuilding & Marine,
Pte. of Singapore. It will work offshore Angola on a five-year time charter, with options, for a major
international oil company. Seabulk currently has five vessels working in Angola, which is fast
becoming a major supplier of crude oil exports. Seabulk Offshore has two additional offshore vessels
scheduled for delivery in 2005 and four in 2006. With operations in more than 25 countries, Seabulk
Offshore is the largest subsidiary of Seabulk International, Inc., accounting for about half the
company's total revenue. Seabulk Offshore's global fleet of 110 vessels serves customers in North
and South America, West Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. (Bron: Shipping News)
Farstad orders at Simek
Norway's Farstad Supply ASA has signed an order for an anchor-handling tug from
compatriot shipbuilder Simek. Farstad Supply is a subsidiary of Alesund-based Farstad
Shipping AS. The Flekkefjord-based yard will build a Rolls Royce-designed UT 712L model
vessel for delivery in April 2006. No price has been announced. In an announcement the
company says the order is a step in its renewal programme and should be viewed against the
background of the recent sale of two older anchor-handlers. (Bron: Shipping News)
How salving the listing and burning ro-ro Schieborg and saving its crew
became a race against time
ON Saturday January 8 the 21,005 gross tons Dutch-owned Schieborg was struck by a huge wave
during a violent storm 50 miles east of Esbjerg. The main impact was taken on the starboard quarter
forward, resulting in damage to the upperworks. The Schieborg took on an extreme list of up to 60
degrees and shortly afterwards members of the crew reported fire at the stern. Wijsmuller Salvage
obtained a Lloyd’s Form contract. An immediate response had already been launched, organised by
Wijsmuller headquarters in Ijmuiden and Esvagt, another SvitzerWijsmuller Group company. The latter
operates a fleet of offshore standby vessels. Wijsmuller and Esvagt had worked together on a number
of salvage operations, including three in the past 12 months, and the emergency standby tugs Esvagt
Omega and Esvagt Gamma headed for the scene to assist the Schieborg. The vessel is one of three
sisterships trading between Gothenburg and Zeebrugge, primarily transporting paper reels. The
Schieborg’s cargo comprised trailers and 40ft containers on the weather deck together with some
containerised chemicals. The vessel was also laden with around 6,000 tonnes of containerised paper
products. Wijsmuller Salvage managing director Daan Koornneef says a fast response was crucial.
“While the roro still had power, the Schieborg had lost steering and was drifting at three knots
towards the coast,” he recalls. “The weather was very bad and forecast to get worse. Our two tugs
were around five hours from the casualty. “Meanwhile, our support team at Ijmuiden mobilised a
salvage team and equipment to reinforce this first response. Our salvage and firefighting experts were
soon on a plane to Esbjerg. “The first challenge was to rescue the Schieborg’s 15 crew, Dutch
officers and ratings from the Philippines and Cape Verde. The standby tugs arrived at around midnight
to find the casualty abandoned. Danish Coastguard helicopters had reached the scene, despite the
Force 10 winds, but could not take off the crew due to the conditions and the violent rolling of the
vessel. “At around 22.00 the master of the casualty had decided to use the boats. This must have
been a difficult decision. The stern fire had spread rapidly, with flames reaching 20 m in height. “The
lifeboats, the crew’s only immediate means of escape, were threatened as the fire began to creep
forward. A lifeboat was launched from a height of 20 m as the Schieborg rolled violently in the big
seas. Four of the crew suffered minor injuries in the evacuation and were subsequently treated at
Esbjerg hospital.” The Esvagt Omega’s fast rescue craft picked up the crew. The crane-deployed
craft, manned by a complement of four, transferred all 15 to their tug.Wijsmuller senior salvage master
Bram Sperling and his team left Rotterdam Airport on board a chartered aircraft at 23.00 that
Saturday. At 02.00, in Esvagt’s Esbjerg offices, they heard that the roro’s entire crew had been
rescued. With this first objective achieved, Captain Sperling began to plan ahead. “This operation
began before the crew left the Schieborg, as we kept in contact through the casualty’s owners and
our tugs at the scene,” he says. “We knew this high-sided ro-ro would be very difficult to board in such
hostile conditions. Time pressure was acute. Given the rate of drift, Schieborg would be aground in
less than 12 hours unless a tow connection could be established.” As the Esvagt Omega completed
the rescue the second standby tug sought to connect with the Schieborg. The attempt was frustrated
by appalling sea conditions. During the early hours of January 9 the assistance of a coastguard
helicopter was requested to land a four-man team on the ro-ro. The helicopter was on its way when
news came that the Esvagt Gamma had succeeded in securing the casualty. A tow connection was
made with the casualty just 10 miles off the coast. The aircraft returned to base. Subsequently,
however, more information placed a question over the tow connection and Capt Sperling concluded
that a small team should board the Schieborg as soon as possible. At around noon on Sunday two
Wijsmuller salvage engineers and a gas expert boarded the coastguard helicopter and made for the
casualty. At that point the Esvagt Gamma had been slow-towing the disabled ro-ro away from the
coast at two knots for several hours. When the helicopter arrived over the casualty it was apparent
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
that the ro-ro was still burning fiercely. Winching down to the main deck forward, the team immediately
reinforced the tow connection and attempted to go aft but ran into problems. It was impossible to move
through the accommodation due to high carbon monoxide levels. At 15.50 the helicopter picked the
team up and it landed back just after 16.30. The boarding party did bring some encouraging news.
Before leaving the vessel the Schieborg’s crew had activated the main deck sprinkler system. This
deck extended under the accommodation block and the crew’s actions had succeeded in preventing
the spread of fire into this area. The team also reported localised fires still visible on the weather deck.
With this in mind, arrangements continued to reinforce firefighting resources. Equipment was
mobilised from Wijsmuller’s central salvage store at Ijmuiden. Items requested included a powerful,
1,200 cu m diesel-driven monitor. In addition, SvitzerWijsmuller’s firefighting tug Simson left Ijmuiden,
joined the convoy and began firefighting and boundary cooling. Capt Sperling welcomed the news that
the weather was expected to ease during Monday. On Sunday he and his team had started to
investigate options for a safe haven for the ro-ro. Entry into Esbjerg had been considered and Capt
Sperling and his team met port authority officials at 17.30 on Sunday. It became obvious, however,
that Esbjerg, while offering the advantage of close proximity, might not be suitable. The concern was
the port’s narrow entrance. The Schieborg’s rudder was reported stuck hard to starboard and the roro
was difficult to control under tow. The casualty’s high sides had plenty of windage and Esbjerg’s
narrow entrance channel is only 200 m wide, with the shallows posing unacceptable risks. The sea
was also extremely rough, in the stormy weather. The alternative was to head around the northern end
of Denmark. The convoy turned north but the Esvagt Gamma soon reported that the Schieborg was
virtually uncontrollable. The ro-ro’s erratic behaviour was endangering the tow connection. By 19.00
there was no choice but to turn south and head into wind. Capt Sperling says: “There was plenty to
think about at that stage. We could not remain in the open sea indefinitely. We needed another
powerful tug as back-up and Ijmuiden mobilised Neftegas 57. This station tug left Land’s End on
Sunday night, with an estimated time of arrival of early evening Tuesday. “Now our choice of safe
haven was between the Helgoland Bight area and Eemshaven. The decision was taken at midnight.
The casualty would be towed towards Eemshaven.” During the small hours of Monday discussions
were in progress with the German and Dutch authorities. Capt Sperling favoured Eemshaven as it
gave more room in the prevailing weather. “We had excellent co-operation from the authorities
ashore,” he says. “By Tuesday clearance from both German and Dutch authorities had been obtained.
The casualty was cleared by the North Sea Directorate to proceed to Eemshaven Pilot Station. “A first
attempt at the channel entry was due to be made on January 12 but was postponed due to yet another
deterioration in the weather. “After a successful entry on January 14 we were instructed to proceed to
a holding area just two miles off Eemshaven. A port authority inspection confirmed our reports on the
ro-ro’s condition. The Schieborg was then cleared to remain at the holding location. “Having had
considerable experience of safe havens, I was impressed by Eemshaven and the positive attitude of
the authorities working with us.” The fires had not been fully extinguished at the initial port entry stage
and many, mainly involving paper reel containers, were still smouldering. The team of 11 firefighters
and chemical specialists was still busy on board as final preparations were made for entry. Weather
conditions, however, remained difficult. The Simson’s towline parted in the vicious northwesterly and
it proved impossible to reconnect. Final preparations were completed by Wednesday. The salvage
team had succeeded in securing the rudder amidships and a number of the vessel’s vital systems
were brought on line. The Schieborg is a high-tech vessel and a senior engineer from the owner’s
team gave valuable assistance in the engine room. Even so, Wednesday’s attempt at entry was
frustrated by the weather. Force 9 conditions and the need for complete control over the casualty
required more tug power. SvitzerWijsmuller’s large terminal tugs Fenja and Frigga arrived and
connected at the stern, with the Esvagt Gamma at the bow and acting as steering tug. The Neftegas
57 acted as escort as the Schieborg came to the berth during the evening of Friday. The salvage
team, wearing chemsuits and breathing apparatus throughout, continued to tackle fires in containers
on the main deck. The last of the smouldering fires was extinguished a few days later. The casualty
was safely redelivered and salvage services terminated on January 21. (Bron: Shipping News)
Barge Fire on Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
1/25 An explosion onboard the EMC423 tank barge on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal
Wednesday evening (Jan. 20) has resulted in the presumed death of a crewmember and the closure
of the waterway. The tank barge that exploded was carrying approximately 588 thousand gallons of
Clarified Slurry Oil. This cargo is a byproduct of the oil refining process and is used to make fuel oils.
It was loaded onto the barge at the Exxon Mobile Plant in Joilet, Ill., and was destined for the
Ameropan Oil Corporation facility in Cicero, IL. The tank barge involved in the explosion is owned and
operated by the Egan Marine Corporation. Egan Marine operates a small fleet of barges and
towboats in Lemont, Ill. The Coast Guard Captain of the Port has closed the Chicago Sanitary and
Ship canal between South Harlem Avenue Bridge and the South Pulaski Road Bridge to all vessel
traffic. The canal will be reopened as soon as it has been determined that it is safe for vessel traffic
and that opening the waterway will not adversely affect the ongoing clean up and salvage operation.
Heritage Environmental Corporation has been contracted by Egan Marine to clean up the spill. The
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Coast Guard is working closely with Heritage Environmental, Egan Marine, and state and local
agencies to mitigate any environmental impacts and ensure that the spill is contained and cleaned up
efficiently. Marine Safety Office Chicago has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of this
accident. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is assisting the Coast Guard with this
investigation and is providing significant technical and investigative expertise. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Coast Guard Plans Tugboat Safety Measures
PITTSBURGH - The Coast Guard plans new safety measures to protect towboat crews from high
water after a tugboat sank on the Ohio River last week, killing three of its seven crew members and
leaving one presumed dead. A task force will examine whether to impose towing limits, identify
dangerous stretches of river and issue safety rules during high water, Coast Guard Cmdr. Wyman W.
Briggs said Tuesday. Its members will also consider whether an assist vessel should be required in
dangerous parts of the Ohio during fast currents. The task force includes members of the Coast
Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Waterways Association of Pittsburgh, and a
representative of Campbell Transportation Co., which owns the towboat that was carried away by swift
currents. The new safety measures will include a requirement that any boat involved in an accident be
docked until its owner completes an in-house investigation and a plan for corrective action, Briggs
said. Companies found in violation could be fined up to $32,500 per infraction. (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
River Accidents Spur Pittsburgh Coast Guard Chief to Impose New Reporting
Rules
Jan. 19--A fatal towboat accident 10 days ago and several recent breakaway barge incidents
prompted the Coast Guard commander in Pittsburgh to announce yesterday that he will shut down
operations of marine companies involved in future accidents until the companies provide detailed
reports. Companies found in violation of the regulation can be fined up to $32,500 per violation.
The first company subjected to the new directive was E&G Enterprises, the Neville Island company
that owns three coal-filled barges that got loose Saturday on the Ohio River at the Emsworth Lock and
Dam. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation temporarily closed the Sewickley Bridge after
one of the barges struck a bridge support. Two other barges are stuck in the Emsworth and Dashields
dams. Cmdr. Wyman W. Briggs decided to invoke his authority under the Ports and Waterways Safety
Act as a result of the fatal Jan. 9 accident of the Elizabeth M, in which three crew members died and
another is missing, and incidents like Saturday's. "It's kind of enough is enough," Briggs said at a news
conference at the Coast Guard's Marine Safety office, Downtown. The directive requires a company
involved in an accident involving a towboat or barges to provide the Coast Guard with a report that
details the cause of the accident and a plan for corrective action. The Coast Guard will suspend
operations of the vessels involved in the accident until it reviews and approves the report, Briggs said.
The Coast Guard consulted with local towboat companies and the Waterways Association of
Pittsburgh, a trade organization, before Briggs decided to announce the suspension policy, he said.
The Elizabeth M, owned by Campbell Transportation Co. Inc. of Dunlevy, Washington County,
remains lodged on an icebreak in the Montgomery Dam, where it landed after it was forced over the
dam by the weight of a fierce current and coal-filled barges. Officials believe the body of Rick Conklin,
40, of Crucible, Greene County, may be in the towboat's pilot house.The towboat will likely remain in
the dam for quite some time, until the river is deemed safe to begin a removal operation. The first
priority of the Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers is to put divers in the river to examine the
partially submerged towboat and try to find Conklin's body, said Richard Lockwood, chief of the
operations and readiness division at the Pittsburgh office of the Corps of Engineers.
Such an operation will take at least eight hours because of the complicated mechanics involved in
manipulating the gates of the dam to raise and lower the water to permit divers to do their job,
Lockwood said. Conklin, who had a provisional pilot's license, was in the pilot house with licensed pilot
Scott Stewart, 36, of Wheeling, W.Va., when the boat went over the dam. Stewart died in the accident,
along with deckhands Tom Fisher, 25, of New Cumberland, W.Va., and Ed Crevda, 22, of West
Brownsville. Fisher's family and a survivor, Jacob Wilds, 26, have retained a Michigan maritime
attorney to represent them in dealings with the company and Coast Guard. The attorney, Dennis
O'Bryan, said during a news conference last week that the crew of the Elizabeth M was warned about
dangerous waters on the Ohio near the Montgomery Lock and Dam before the towboat traveled
upriver. The towboat was pushed backward when the pilot -- authorities are unsure who was at the
controls -- attempted to push coal-filled barges up the Ohio River after two of them broke away after
passing through the lock. Coast Guard investigators continue to interview witnesses in preparation for
a public hearing within the next month, Briggs said. The Coast Guard has brought in additional
investigators from other cities, he said. Briggs and Lockwood also announced yesterday that the Ohio
River near the Montgomery Dam has been opened to all navigation after commercial river traffic was
restricted after the accident. Three Campbell Transportation barges that broke away during the
accident remain above the dam but are not obstructing traffic, Lockwood said. Two other barges
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
emain below the dam. A sixth barge is missing and the Coast Guard now believes it is above the dam
because a search for the barge for five miles below the dam was unsuccessful, Briggs said. The rash
of breakaway barges is partly the result of high water on the river, Briggs said. The Coast Guard, the
Corps of Engineers and companies involved with the Waterways Association will establish a task force
to make recommendations about safety measures in high water, Briggs said. "It's time to take a
second look at the procedures to see if they're adequate," he said. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 6
dd. 06 Februari 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Smit Orca
Nog wat reacties ontvangen m.b.t. de Smit Orca. De Smit Orca is op 1 februari 2005 officieel in
management overgedragen aan de URS. Operationeel en Commercieel blijft de Smit Orca een SMIT
schip (Bron:Smit Transport Europe BV)
Flying Osprey
De Flying Osprey is vrijdagavond (21/01) laat uit Duinkerken vertrokken. De Honce werd dinsdag of
woensdag in Duinkerken verwacht. Vermoedelijk wordt de nieuwe naam Vigilant. Intussen heeft de
Flying Osprey Duinkerken weer verlaten, nog steeds onder haar oude naam. (Bron:Lawrence
Amboldt)
Svitzer
Have found another batch of the latest new tugs for Svitzer. All named with the prefix SVITZER -
IDKU, ELBEHEIRA, RASHEED and DELTA. All built at ASL Singapore yard numbers respectively are
337, 347, 338 and 348. (Bron: Nico Jonker)
E1506
Smit Transport Europe BV heeft Offshore Ruytenberg te Raamsdonksveer opdracht gegeven haar
zeegaande ponton E1506 met 15 meter te verlengen. Dit karwei zal ongeveer een 8 weken in beslag
nemen. (Bron: Hans van der Ster)
Bay-Houston Towing Co. Purchases Tractor Tug
Bay-Houston Towing Co. is pleased to announce that they have purchased the tractor tug C-
TRACTOR 1 from Alpha Marine Services. The tug, which will be renamed the WILLIAM M, will be
based in Corpus Christi, TX. The WILLIAM M is a true tractor design, with the Ulstein drive units
located forward. This allows the twin EMD 16-645 engines to generate 110,000 pounds of bollard pull
both ahead and astern. Her design speed is 12 kts. The WILLIAM M is 102’ long, has a beam of 37’,
and a working draft of 17’. The tug was built in 1989 at North American Shipbuilding. The WILLIAM M
has considerable fire fighting capability. It can pump 3500 gallons per minute through fore and aft fire
fighting monitors. This ability compliments the Port of Corpus Christi fireboat and helps to extend fire
protection in the port to Ingleside, La Quinta, and Harbor Island.. Bay-Houston Towing Co. is pleased
to be able to add the WILLIAM M to our Corpus Christi fleet. With the addition of the new Z-Tech
design tugs, they look forward to continuing to upgrade their fleet in all their ports. Bay-Houston
Towing Co. has the youngest fleet of any major tug company on the East and Gulf Coasts of the
United States. They provide tugboat service in Houston, Galveston, Texas City, Freeport, and Corpus
Christi. They are certified in the Responsible Carrier Program of the American Waterways Operators,
and are currently undergoing certification for ISM and ISO 9000. (Bron: Bay-Houston)
Bay-Houston Towing Co. New building
Is pleased to announce that we have contracted with Main Iron Works of Houma, LA to produce
Robert Allan Ltd. designed Z-Tech tugs. This tug design boasts a number of firsts. The design will be
the first Z-Tech tugs to be built in the United States. It is the first North American tug installation of the
high horsepower Caterpillar 3516C engine; and it marks the introduction of the Schottel Model SRP-
1520 rudderpropeller.
The Z-Tech design concept offers the following advantages:
• The forward deck (over the skeg) has a low, flat sheer, creating a spacious, relatively flat
and safe working deck, without any obstructive anchor chains, etc.
• For "sea-going" operations, the Z-Tech tug works astern in tractor mode, so the shape of
this part of the hull is more rounded in plan than would typically be seen in an ASD design.
There is no appreciable loss of speed in this direction of operation. The increased flare and
freeboard at the "aft" end is simply to ensure a drier operation when towing in this direction.
• Only one winch is required for both harbor and coastal towing operations. When towing long
distances, the Z-Tech will simply tow in tractor mode going "astern".
• The low sheer forward, coupled with the aft bias of the deckhouse and wheelhouse enable
the Z-Tech design to work under large overhanging ship flares.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
The tug is currently designated the Z-Tech #1. The vessel will be 98.5 feet long, with a beam of 39.3
feet, a hull depth of 16.4 feet, and a maximum draft of 19.5 feet. The vessel will be powered by two of
Caterpillar's innovative new 3516C high power engines, delivering 3150 horsepower each. At 6300
hp, the tug will be the most powerful docking tug on the Texas coast. The vessel is designed to
produce in excess of 75 metric tonnes of bollard pull. The Caterpillar engines are being furnished by
Mustang Cat Power Systems, the authorized sales, parts, and service Caterpillar Dealer for the
marine marketplace on the Texas Gulf Coast. Mustang Cat Power Systems is a sub-division of
Mustang Machinery Company, Ltd. headquartered in Houston. The Caterpillar engines will be mated
to the newest Schottel drives, the Model SRP-1520 driving 106 inch stainless steel propellers. These
drives are rated at a combined 6300 horsepower. Markey Machinery Company Inc. will provide the
bow winch, a Model #DYSF – 52 Escort Line Winch. The winch has an automatic render/recover
mode and will be equipped with an application specific Markey tension meter. The winch will have a
brake capacity of 500,000 pounds. Electrical power will be provided by two John Deere gensets, each
rated at 125 kw. The tugs will be designed for the addition of two Caterpillar 3412 engines powering
twin fire pumps each rated at 5300 gallons per minute for installations that require it, such as LNG
terminals. The vessel will have water mist capability, and other requirements of Fire Fighting Class
One (FiFi1) built in. (Bron: Bay-Houston)
Vicksburg Barge-Bridge Accidents Investigated –
VICKSBURG - The Coast Guard will determine whether a St. Louis barge company will be fined after
two of its tows hit the Mississippi River bridges at Vicksburg this past week. Lt. Diane Wickman, with
the Coast Guard's office in Baton Rouge, La., said the accidents were under investigation. Wickman
said the Coast Guard may levy fines or penalize the company if it is found to be negligent. The 75year-old
U.S. 80 bridge was hit twice, on Wednesday and Thursday. The Interstate 20 bridge was hit
Thursday, presumably by the same two barges that hit the old bridge and then sank about a mile and
a half south. The barges were tows of ARTCO. No one was reported injured and no pollutants were
dumped in the river, Coast Guard officials said. Bridge Supt. Herman Smith said swift current caused
by high water levels was likely a factor. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Towboat in Pa. Barge Accident Defied Order
PITTSBURGH - The captain of a towboat that sank on the Ohio River, killing three of seven crew
members and leaving one presumed dead, defied orders and departed a fueling station without
waiting for a second boat, a company official said Monday. Don Grimm, president of Campbell
Transportation Co., said the captain ordered the tug to depart without the help of a second towboat
that was still 1 1/2 hours downriver. "I believe there was some errors in judgment, obviously," Grimm
said during a Coast Guard inquiry into the Jan. 9 accident. The first tug was pushing six coal barges
up the Ohio when strong currents wrenched the lead barges back toward the Montgomery Lock and
Dam, through which it had just passed. The tug was pushed or pulled backward over the dam and
sank quickly. Three of the seven crew members were rescued by nearby towboats. One crew
member, Rick Conklin, 40, has not been found. Monday was the first day of what is expected to be a
week of testimony to determine what led to the sinking. Capt. Toby Zappone was scheduled to testify
Tuesday. Deckhand Jacob Wilds, who has said the tugboat should never have tried to make it through
the lock, is scheduled to testify Wednesday. Grimm said written orders had been left on the vessel's
log indicating the second towboat would assist with the barge transport. He said he had not spoken
with Zappone about his decision to navigate the lock without the other boat's aid.Under questioning
from Zappone's attorney, Grimm testified there were no warnings from the Coast Guard suggesting
the river was not navigable on Jan. 9. Grimm also said Zappone was a captain with 20 years
experience and no record of poor decisions. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Sonsub Contracts New 280ft Vessel
2/3/05 10:13:30 AM Sonsub Inc. recently signed a 3 year charter
agreement with Otto Candies, LLC for a New Build IMR
Construction Vessel. The yet to be named 280ft, Class II
DP Vessel includes a 100T tele-knuckle boom crane, a 20’
X 25’ moon pool, accommodations for 66 personnel, and
outfitted with one or two 200Hp Innovator ROV systems
depending upon the project and client requirements. The
vessel will be the first and only US flagged vessel in the
GOM capable of supporting subsea construction projects in addition to standard remote intervention
and maintenance tasks. The Moon-pool & crane arrangement will allow safe and stable deployment to
the seabed on heavy loads, like manifolds, as well as the lay of umbilical and/or coil tubing lines.
Sonsub anticipates vessel availability starting March 2006 in the Gulf of Mexico. (Bron: Marinelink)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Lightering Company Adds Power
2/3/05 9:45:58 AM The booming Thai economy and the
shallow waters of the Chao Phrya River combine to create a
growing demand for lightering operations of bulk cargos in
the Gulf of Thailand.. This demand is being met by the S. P.
Inter Marine Co. Ltd of Bangpli, Samutprakarn near
Bangkok. Originally a trucking and land based company,
the firm moved into the marine logistics field in 1995 and
now operates a fleet of 80 barges, 20 ocean going tugs,
numerous little river tugs, and 8 huge floating off-loading
stations. In January 2005 the company added their newest
tug to the fleet. Tasked to relatively short tows from the offload
stations to the river mouth the company’s tugs are single screw. At 26 by 7 meters the latest
vessel is the largest in the fleet. It is also the most powerful with an 850 HP Cummins KTA38 M0
turning a four-blade 82-inch propeller through a 7:1 Twin Disc MG520-1 gear. S. P. Inter Marine
operate their own shipyard at Ayuthya about fifty miles up the Chao Phrya River from the Gulf. Here
they build their off-off loading stations as well as tugs and barges. Adjacent to the shipyard is a
transfer station for moving bulk cargos such as soy beans and coal from barge to truck or vice versa.
S.P. Inter Marine Assistant Manager Krithep Suwajanakorn explains that the company’s emerging
philosophy for construction of both new tugs and transfer stations, “If you buy second hand you get
less support. We look for the long term partnership with suppliers just as we do with our customers. In
countries like Viet Nam it can take up to 20 days to unload a panamax bulker. We can do this in one or
two days. With panamax charter rates in the $30,000 per day range this represents huge savings to
the shipper and a significant competitive edge. “ To meet these demands the firm is using new
McGreggor cranes on the transfer stations and new Cummins engines in their tugs like the recently
launched Wattana 6 (Bron: Marinelink)
Off the line
Tidewater Inc were delighted to take delivery of their secod AHTS NED 1144 type (Naval Engineering
Design) this month. The vessel named the J Hugh Roff Jnr, was delivered from Aker yards. Since
delivery has been in marketed on the Aberdeen spot market. This vessel follows in the footsteps of
Tidewater’s recent AHTS deliveries of the Donnelly Tide and Platt Tide. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Scout gets it’s badge
Island Offshore’s newbuild PSV UT755L Island Scout delivered to its owners this month and was
immediately chartered out for a cargo run with Gaz De France such was the tight availability in the
market. The vessel will trade the spot market for a short while until it delivers to Transocean to support
the Sedco 712 for a year. The vessel has a delivery window for Transocean between mid February
and mid March. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Island in the Sun with P101
Ulstein Verft AS has signed a contract with Island Offshore XI KS to build a large ULSTEIN P101
multifunctional platform supply vessel, designed by Ulstein Design As (artist’s impression above). The
contract is worth around NOK 290 million. The vessel is to be named the Island Pioneer upon delivery
currently scheduled for the March 2006. The vessel is 95 metres long and 20.5 metres wide, and can
accommodate 87 people in single and double cabins. It will come equipped with a moonpool,
mezzanine deck, helicopter deck and DP2 classification. The vessel will also be prepared for a 130ton
crane and ROV hangar. It will have the same hull shape as the Normand Mermaid, an ULSTEIN
P103, which is proving very successful in the North Sea. In terms of power, the unit will have diesel
electric propulsion and will be economical to operate. Steel cutting for the vessel will commence in
March this year. Maritim Ltd in Poland is building the hull, while the superstructure is being built in
Ulstein Verft’s division in Vanylven. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Flekkefjord off the blocks
According to Vik and Sandvik, it was recently announced that Norwegian shipbuilders Flekkefjord
Slipp & Maskinfabrikk shipyard has started the construction on one of Vik & Sandvik’s own PSV
VS470 MkII designs. The vessel is scheduled to deliver in November 2005. No other details were
available at time of going to press. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Bonjour Bienville
Rigdon Marine were pleased to take delivery of the sixth of ten contracted GPA-640 platform supply
vessels named Bienville. The vessel joins its sister fleet of 210’ x 54’ x 19’ diesel-electric and dynamic
positioning ABS-classed platform supply vessels that are currently operating in the Gulf of Mexico.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
The Bender built vessel was immediately deployed to work after its christening/delivery. (Bron:
Seabreeze)
Farstad on 712 trail
Farstad Supply AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Farstad Shipping ASA, has reached an agreement
with Brevik Construction AS, a subsidiary of Aker Brevik, for the building of an anchor handling tug
supply vessel for delivery in April 2006. The vessel is of design UT712L from Rolls-Royce Marine,
which also will be a major supplier of equipment to the vessel. The value of the contract is
approximately NOK 250 million. Farstad Supply has further signed an agreement with the yard for
optional 1+1 UT712L vessels. The newbuild is part of Farstad's fleet renewal and is also a
consequence of the sale of two older anchor handling tug supply vessels, the Far Turbot and the Lady
Elaine at the end of 2004. The hull for the AHTS will be built at Aker Brevik's subsidiary in Romania,
Aker Braila, and outfitted in Norway. Farstad has also signed an agreement with Norwegian shipyard
Simek AS, Flekkefjord, to build an AHTS of UT712L design. The vessel is scheduled to deliver in April
2006 with the value of the contract thought to be around NOK 250 million. (Bron: Seabreeze)
BUE play a blinder
There is strong speculation that BUE Marine UK has ordered a PSV UT755LE design from Norwegian
builders Aker Brattvaag. If this is the case then this will be the 75th UT755 PSV contracted. This new
vessel will be named M/V BUE Caspianmax2, and be added to the Caspian fleet of BUE Marine after
completion in 2005. This speculation is hot on the heels of an article that appeared recently in a
national newspaper, and summarised below: “BUE Marine, the Scottish marine services company, is
spending £30m on 15 new vessels after switching the focus of its activities away from the home
market to the fast-expanding Caspian Sea. Profits rose sharply last year, after the Leithheadquartered
firm sold its stake in a short-lived joint venture with Norwegian investment company
Kistefos, the owner of Viking Supply Ships. Carl Rolaston Managing Director of BUE Marine said a
further 15 vessels – one supply boat, eight barges and six utility craft – are currently on order for the
North Caspian zone. The £30m cost will largely be funded by debt. Last June, the firm beefed up its
Caspian fleet with the acquisition of 13 vessels from Bechtel Enka in Kazakhstan for £2.9m. BUE
Marine has 50 vessels operating in the region, 36 in Kazakhstan and the rest in Azerbaijan.” (Bron:
Seabreeze)
Advantage Seabulk
Coming off the production line in Singapore this month was Seabulk’s new MPSV Seabulk Advantage,
(drawing above) which has been chartered to work offshore Angola on a five-year charter, with
options. That charter is for a major international oil company that Seabulk did not identify. The
company currently has five vessels working in Angola. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Something New, Something Traditional
2/4/05 8:27:21 AM (The tug Kesarin 10 at sea trials on the Chao
Phrya River near the ancient Thai capital of Ayuthya. C.S.
Inter Marine’s shipyard manager Khun Patum Sardsiri is a
practical man. He works with management to balance costs
and benefits through out the company’s sizable fleet of
tugs, barges and bulk cargo handling stations. In some
cases this can result in relatively large expenditures, such
as one made recently to swap engines on a one year old
boat. The handy little steel tug had been launched with a
500 HP second hand engine that quickly began
accumulating costs in down time and repairs. When
management made the decision to replace the engine with a brand new Cummins KTA19 M3 rated
640 HP at 1800 RPM, Khun Patum pulled the boat up on the bank at the company shipyard in the
ancient Thai capital of Ayuthya some 50 miles up from the Gulf of Thailand. The old engine came out
easily through purpose-built skylight. At the same time Khun Patum had the 7:1 gear pulled along with
the shaft and four-blade 75x16-inch propeller for service and inspection. With the shaft sitting out on a
bench, he explained to a visitor the cost to benefit advantages of the Tamarind wood bearings that he
uses in the company tugs. “A vinyl bearing costs about 90,000 baht ($2,500 US) while I can have
these made for only 3,000 baht ($75.00 US)” In America, lignum vitae wood was used for many years
in shaft bearings. Writing in Power Transmission Design Magazine, Managing Editor Tom Hughes
reported, “…early users of wood bearings (bearings with no impregnation of additional lubricant) were
ship builders and woodworking shops making underwater shaft bearings for tugs and freighters. The
natural resins inhibited water absorption and served as a base for a water film between bearing and
shaft… Wood bearings operate well in abrasive environments. Gritty particles that manage to reach
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
the bearing surface embed harmlessly in it.” Demonstrating the good and minimal wear of the yearold
bearing, Khun Patum explains that he carefully selects a tamarind log from a tree that is at least
20-years-old. The last one he purchased for 2,500 baht. After aging one week in the shade, he had
eight (four sets of two) bearings turned at a local lumberyard. The two-foot long tail bearing for this
shaft has an 8-inch interior diameter with 5/8-inch walls while the forward bearing keeps the same
diameter but is 16 inches long. “I normally inspect the bearings every three years but they will last
indefinitely if we keep a good water flow over them to lubricate and remove the river’s sand,” he
explained. In doing a cost benefit analysis it may be that new machinery is the best investment, but in
others it may be that staying with the tried and true is the best course. (Bron: Marinelink)
Shantykoor “De Sleeptros”
Na een half jaar oefenen is het eindelijk zover. Het Shantykoor “De Sleeptros” treedt voor het eerst
naar buiten met een optreden op 18 february. Hoewel dit nog wel een besloten optreden betreft zijn zij
toch al zover. Diverse liedjes zullen hier ten gehore worden gebracht met solo optredens van
Wildrover Koos; Beste kok Hans en Rotterdam Opa. Dit onder muzikale begeleiding van accordeon
echtpaar Meeuw, Bajo Iwan en trommel Daan. De bezielende leiding is in handen van het snorrige
sluisje. Mocht u geïnteresseerd zijn laat de samensteller van S & O dit even weten. Gezellig en
ontspannen zingen dat wil toch iedereen!. Kom eens kijken en luisteren op ons eigen
admiraliteitsvaartuig de ‘Admi’ in de Waalhaven O.Z. elke woensdagavond van 17.00 tot 19.00 uur.
De Nul geeft baggerschip Cristoforo Colombo op
SACHALIN / AALST 2/2 - Na vier maanden cijferen geeft eigenaar De Nul het baggerschip Cristoforo
Colombo op, meldt De Gentenaar. De toestand van het schip, dat na een storm op de rotsen van het
Russische eiland Sachalin liep, is te slecht. Zowel het bergingsbedrijf Smit Sachalin als De Nul
trekken hun assistentieschepen terug. Na de winter zoekt het baggerbedrijf naar de goedkoopste
oplossing om het vaartuig weg te halen. Inmiddels is de opdracht, waarvoor de Cristoforo Colombo
nabij Sachalin lag, afgewerkt. Het verlies is niet onoverkomelijk: met ruim 30 baggerschepen heeft de
groep tal van opdrachten. (Bron: De Gentenaar via Leo Kramer)
Bulk Carrier Grounds Off Hawaii
2/4/05 8:30:56 AM HONOLULU - The Coast Guard continues to monitor a grounded ship at the entrance
to Barbers Point Harbor. The Cape Flattery and crew were inbound to Barbers Point Harbor at about 7
a.m. to offload cement when it ran aground about 400 yards from the entrance. The current plan is for
the ship's owner to complete a salvage plan and have all necessary tugs in place before a high tide at
about 8 p.m. The four tugs are on scene to assist in refloating the Cape Flattery. At this point there is
no apparent pollution or hull damage. Coast Guard inspectors are currently interviewing the captain
and crew and investigating the cause of the accident. The Coast Guard Cutter Washington remains on
scene with the Cape Flattery as a communications platform and to monitor any developments. The
Cape Flattery is a 555-foot bulk carrier, registered in Hong Kong, is managed by Pacific Basin
Shipping HK Ltd. The ship is carrying cement and about 117,000 gallons of fuel oil and lubricants.
(Bron: Marinelink)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 7
dd. 13 Februari 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
De Bruinvisch komt naar Maassluise Museumhaven
Maassluis - Het Nederlandse bergingsschip Bruinvisch komt binnenkort naar de Historische
Museumhaven in Maassluis. Het in 1937 gebouwde schip zal met andere historische zeeslepers als
de Furie, Hudson en de Elbe deel gaan uitmaken van het openluchtmuseum voor sleepboten. Het
vaartuig, dat tot voor kort nog in Spanje dienst deed, is reeds gearriveerd in de Leuvehaven in
Rotterdam. Daar krijgt het schip een grondige opknapbeurt. De Bruinvisch is het laatste nog varende
schip van een generatie vooroorlogse bergingsvaartuigen. Het heeft decennialang Maassluis als
thuishaven gehad. Het bergingsschip werd onder meer ingezet bij het opruimen van wrakken in de
Nieuwe Waterweg na de Tweede Wereldoorlog en de beroemde bergingsoperaties in het Suez
Kanaal in 1957. Behalve bergingswerkzaamheden werd het schip ook gebruikt bij het leggen van
pijpleidingen, onderzoek naar oliewinning op zee, duikwerkzaamheden en het traceren en opvissen
van verloren ankers. In 1990 werd het bergingsschip verkocht aan Spanje. Het Havenmuseum
Rotterdam, de nieuwe eigenaar van de Bruinvisch, haalde het vaartuig terug uit Spanje en voegde het
schip aan haar collectie toe. Het bergingsschip zal door het Havenmuseum worden ingezet voor
demonstraties in de regio en tijdens evenmenten in de Leuvehaven. Komende zaterdag meert de
Bruinvisch samen met de zeesleper Elbe af in zijn voormalige thuishaven. In Maassluis zullen de
schepen een permanent onderdeel gaan vormen van de historische sleepboothaven. (Bron: Leo
Kramer)
MAN B&W Power for Repasa’s Terminal Tugs
2/7/05 3:08:48 PM MAN B&W Diesel A/S, Denmark, has been awarded the contract to supply two mediumspeed
L27/38 twin engine packages for two escort and terminal handling tugs. The newbuildings are
under construction at the Spanish shipyard of Astilleros Balenciaga SA., Zumaia, for the Port of
Tarragona-based Remolcadores de Puerto y Altura SA. (REPASA) fleet. The vessels (hull Nos. 392
and 393), named Romulo and Remo, are scheduled to be delivered during 2005 with a three month
interval. The first tug’s sea trail runs are scheduled to finish in February. Due to the operational
requirements, a highly efficient and powerful propulsion concept was choosen for the tugs. Main
engine torque and power is converted into pulling power and maneuverability via two sets of Steerprop
SP 35 azimuthing propellers. The total continuous main engine power of 4,760 kW (6,475 bhp) is
predicted to perform a bollard pull of 81 tons ahead and 78 tons astern. The predicted free running
steaming speed is 13.5 knots. (Bron: Marinelink)
Dee Service, (Dee Shore – 81, Edda Drott – 76) 1526/76 – offshore tug/supply. By Tidewater
Offshore(GP-1984) Inc. To Tidewater matine West Indies, both Belize and renamed Cruz Tide (Bron:
Marine News)
Seahorse Supplier, (Stirling Oak – 82), 780/74 – offshore supply. By James Scott & Co (Cork)
Ltd. Ireland to Raj Shipping Agencies Ltd. India and renamed Offshore Supplier (Bron: Marine News)
Smit Expects Higher Profits
2/10/05 11:45:03 AM Smit Internationale N.V. expects that the net profit for 2004 will exceed the EUR 21
million as indicated by the company earlier this year. The net profit of 2004 will be in line with the
result of 2003 being EUR 27 million. This higher result is mainly due to lower tax pressure and lower
interest charges. (Bron: Marinelink)
Engine Fire on Tug
2/10/05 8:59:24 AM MIAMI - Crews from Station Miami Beach, Station Fort Lauderdale, Air Station Opa
Locka, and the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet responded this afternoon as the Betty Wood, a 130-foot
tug pushing a 500-foot barge with 10 people on board, experienced an engine fire 17 miles east of
Haulover Beach. The initial distress call was received at 11:52 a.m. Currently there are three rescue
boats, two helicopters, one Falcon jet, and the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet on scene to assist the
vessel's crew and monitor the situation. The fire is reported to be extinguished, although there is still
smoke on board. The cause of the fire is under investigation. (Bron: Marinelink)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Informatie gezocht kapseizen
Uit diverse richtingen mocht ik informatie ontvangen. Heb de stagiare met de informatie volgestopt.
Ben dan ook zeer benieuwd wat daar allemaal uitkomt. Hierbij allen hartelijk dank voor de
medewerking. Hou jullie op de hoogte over de uitkomst.
Major Conversion Project for Solstad
2/11/05 9:17:19 AM The cable laying vessel “Normand Clipper”
will undergo an extensive conversion equal to that of its
sister vessel “Normand Cutter”. Here is the converted
“Normand Cutter” immediately after its conversion was
completed in May last year. (Photo: Harald M. Valderhaug)
“This is an exciting period with increasing interest in vessels
designed for extremely demanding marine operations.
During the last six year we have signed contracts for two
major conversions and one new build for this market. I
would argue that Ulstein is the leader in offshore
construction vessels,” says Tore Ulstein, President of
Ulstein Verft AS. Shipowners Solstad announced yesterday
that Ulstein Verft is to perform the conversion of their cablelaying
vessel, Normand Clipper. The conversion is well under way, and is to be completed within the
end of May 2005. “We are pleased that Solstad has yet again chosen us as its partner for a project
that is very demanding, both technically and with respect to the delivery date,” says Tore Ulstein.
Normand Clipper is being converted into a combined construction and pipe-laying vessel with a large
freight capacity. This conversion will increase Solstad’s capacity within various types of crane
assignments, diving assignments and all types of construction work. The vessel is the sister vessel of
Normand Cutter, which was converted at Ulstein Verft in 2004. “This conversion will be about as
extensive as the conversion of her sister vessel, and will demand almost the same amount of working
hours as when constructing a large platform supply vessel. The conversion contract for Ulstein Verft is
worth around NOK 150 million,” according to Harald Møller, Ulstein Verft’s Sales Manager. “Ulstein
Verft already has contracts for five new builds. The conversion contract means that we can utilise our
facilities to their full capacity. Given how we are organised and the facilities we have, this contract is
ideal for us,” says Møller. “The conversion project strengthens the yard’s competitiveness, and once
again we can show the market that we can tackle many projects at the same time.” Normand Clipper
was delivered by Ulstein Verft in 2001 as yard number 258. The vessel had the same employer the
entire time, but this contract ran out in October 2004. The vessel has been laid up at Ulstein Verft
since early last spring due to the poor cable-laying market. This is why Solstad has now chosen to
convert the vessel. The shipowners have entered into an agreement with the Australian company
Clough Limited for hiring of the converted Normand Clipper. (Bron: Marinelink)
Newbuiding Vroon Power Express
VSO Zhenjiang: The continuing story There is progress in the newbuilding of the 75 mtrs. Platform
Supply Vessel at Zhenjiang Shipyard. Still eleven blocks structures are to be attached, welded and
painted before the Power Express will feel water of the Yangtze River, fresh water. The salt water she
will taste later, much later. But as they say in China: step-by-step... Daily life in China is changing very
fast. Too fast maybe, who knows? Even in Zhenjiang we can feel it. A very fast economical growth,
mentality changingn of (youger) people, the increasing traffic, the incressing choise of articles when
you go shopping, the new houses and offices built around, mostly western styled. Also China will bring
people to the moon in the near future; difficult to imagine when we see the struggle in the yard. At
presentit is summer time in Jiangu’s Zhenjiang Shiyard and temperatures go to 39 degrees celsius.
Due to this the working speed is low, yard’s workers have started to move machinery on board, like
pumps and compressors. Good protected machinery to avoid unnecessary damages durig production.
Another group of workers are installing all the lenght of pipng; air cooling, water, cement, glycol, brine,
fuel, oil etc, valves and filters too. At the same time hull workers are welding the structures and
painters are brushing and painting. Electricians are installing cable trays. And we are very proud
because as not many of you know we help Zhenjiang Shipyard with almost everything in almost every
possible way. Daily our Vroon site office is an advising, calculating, designing, arranging, quality
control and social place for the yard. Strong back-up and help from the main office in Breskens and
last but not least the help and experience from the crew of our offshore fleet must be mentioned too.
Finally, months from now our patience is going to be rewrdedPower Express will be the best ship ever
built in China. Several partners already confirmed this by sending dozens of letters to all involved.
(Bron: Hannie Geertse via Henk de Winde)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Sleepboothulp voor tanker ‘Frank’
De URS-zeesleper ‘Alphonse Letzer’ heeft onlangs de chemicalientanker ‘Frank’ naar een veilige
haven gesleept. De onder de vlag van Gibraltar varende, 9266b gt metende tanker was op weg van
Donges in Frankrijk naar Tees aan de Britse oostkust vanwege motorproblemen voor anker gegaan.
Snel waren ook de Franse kustwachtsleper ‘Abeille Languedoc’ en de ‘Alphons Letzer’ ter plaatse.
Toen de bemanning er niet in slaagde de voortstuwing weer op gang te krijgen, kreeg laatstgenoemde
sleper opdracht de tanker naar Le Havre te slepen. (Bron: Schuttevaer)
Drie ASD-slepers in aanbouw voor BP
Scheepswerf Damen in Gorinchem heeft momenteel drie Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD)-slepers in
aanbouw voor BP. De slepers moeten tankers gaan assisteren bij de Coryton-olieraffinaderij van BP
aan de Thames. Afgelopen maand werd ook een dergelijke sleper opgeleverd voor een terminal in
Australie. De drie slepers voor de Coryton-raffinaderij zijn van het type Damen ASD Tug 3211. Zij
worden elk uitgerust met twee MaK 6M25 hoofdmotoren 5300 pk elk. Elke motor drijft een
Aquamaster roerpropeller aan Trekkracht bedraagt zeventig ton. De eerste, die Stanford gaat heten,
wordt begin maart opgeleverd. Nummer twee, de Castle Point, volgt later in maart en nummer drie,
de Corringham, in juni. De drie slepers worden met brandblusmonitoren uitgerust en gaan varen
onder de vlag van Targe Towing. (Bron: Schuttevaer)
Nieuwe slepers voor Franse kustwacht
De bekende Franse kustwachtslepers ‘Abeille Flandre’ en ‘Abeille Languedoc’ worden binnenkort
vervangen. Op de Noorse Kleven Myklebust werf in Gursken wordt hiervoor de laatste hand gelegd
aan twee nieuwe zeeslepers. Dit zijn de ‘Abeille Bourbon’ die in maart de ‘Abeille Flandre’ gaat
aflossen op het station van Brest. Vervolgens neemt in juni de ‘Abeille Liberte’ de plaats in van de
‘Abeille Languedoc’ op het station in Cherbourgh. De nieuwe slepers zijn tachtig meter lang en
krijgen elk vier hoofdmotoren van 4000kW. Met de moedermaatschappij van de slepers, de Groupe
Bourbon, is voor beide slepers een huurcontract gesloten met een looptijd van veertien jaar. De
‘Abeille Flandre’ en ‘Abeille Languedoc’ worden na aflossing elders ingezet. Beide slepers hebben
sinds 1979 onder contract van de Franse overheid permanent als calamiteitenbestrijdingsvaartuigen
op station gelegen. De veiligheidmaatregel werd destijds getroffen na de ramp met de ‘Amoco Cadiz’.
Beide slepers hebben talloze hulpverleningen verricht aan schapen die aan de Franse noordwestkust
in problemen raakten. Zowel de oude als de nieuwe stationslepers varen onder de vlag van Les
Abeilles International, een dochter van de Groupe Bourbon. (Bron: Schuttevaer)
Pilbare Neptune opgeleverd.
Scheepswerf Damen in Gorinchem heeft kort na de jaarwisseling de ‘Pilbare Neptune’ opgeleverd.
Deze voor Hamersley Iron Pty.Ltd. in Australie gebouwde ASD Tug 3111 wordt voortgestuwd door
twee Niigata 6L28NX hoofdmotoren met een totaalvermogen van 5000 pk. Beide motoren drijven een
Niigata ZP41 roerpropeller aan. De trekkracht van deze ASD-sleper bedraagt vooriut ruim 67 ton en
achteruit bijna 62 ton. (Bron: Schuttevaer)
Pak opgeleverd.
Damen heeft verder begin dit jaar de Damen Stan Tug 2909, genaamd Pak, opgeleverd aan Dukhar
Engineering in Rusland. Het hart van deze kust-annex havensleper bestaat uit twee Caterpillar 3516B
hoofdmotoren, die elk een schroef in een straalbuis aandrijven. Het totale vermogen bedraagt 4525
bhp, wat een trekkracht oplevert van 62,2 ton. (Bron: Schuttevaer)
Smit Anambas
De Smit Anambas vertrekt morgenochtend rond 08.00 uur vanuit de Waalhaven – Smit naar de Botlek
om daar haar droogdok survey te ondergaan bij Keppel-Verolme. (Bron: Hans van der Ster)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 8
dd. 20 Februari 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Collision on lower Mississippi River
2/14/05 10:20:46 AM The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Press Release stating that on February 10, a towboat
pushing seven barges collided with a freighter on the lower Mississippi River near Donaldsonville,
Louisiana. The towboat and one barge sank. The crewmembers were rescued. The freighter incurred
minor damage. Light pollution has been observed. The incident is under investigation. Source: HK
Law (Bron: Marinelink)
Capre Flattery Rrefloated
2/14/05 10:21:23 AM The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Press Release stating that the bulk carrier CAPE
FLATTERY has been refloated off the reef near Barbers Point, Hawaii. The salvage effort required
removal of most of the fuel oil and about 9,000 metric tons of the granular cement cargo. No pollution
was reported. The investigation into the casualty continues. Source: HK Law (Bron: Marinelink)
Rectificatie Pilbare Neptune
In de laatste nieuwsbrief is nogal onduidelijkheid ontstaan over de Pilbare Neptune. Er was vermeld
dat zij zou zijn gebouwd in Australie voor Damen Gorinchem. De sleepboot is echter gebouwd bij
Damen Shipyards te Changde – China. De eerste opdracht bestond uit de levering van twee
sleepboten maar later werd ook nog de opdracht voor een derde gegeven. De oplevering van de
tweede sleepboot moet zeer nabij zijn of is misschien al gebeurt. Met dank aan Lawrence Amboldt.
Still Unanswered questions in the Case of the Sunken Elizabeth M
From where we sit, the Coast Guard is going to have to make some hard decisions in the case of the
Elizabeth M sinking and loss of life on January 9 at Montgomery Dam on the Upper Ohio. We have
had some feedback during the five-day Coast Guard hearing into the incident. From what we read, it
seems to have been determined who, specifically, was at the helm and when. It was reported in the
Pittsburgh "Observer-Reporter" that the missing-and-presumed dead Rick Conklin, 40, of Crucible,
Pa., was the one who drove the tow out of the lock and headed upstream before the tow "began to
drift toward the center of the river." The vessel's master, Capt. George Zappone, also of Crucible, was
awakened by the alarm, raced to the pilothouse and took over the helm. Zappone testified earlier in
the week that he had captured the barges and was heading upriver when one began to sink. His
attorney, Frederick Thieman, said Zappone could not have anticipated that one of the barges would
sink or that after breaking free the Elizabeth M would be "pinned to the barges and swept over the
dam wall." It was the contention of Campbell Transportation Co.'s attorney, Dennis Watson, that the
Elizabeth M was seaworthy and that Capt. Zappone could have refused to make the trip in high-water
conditions. He argued that Zappone ignored a company directive to push the barges upriver with
assistance from an assigned helper boat [which never arrived]. Watson said, "They can tie off the
boat. They can hire a helper boat and do whatever they think is necessary." Zappone had testified
Thursday, February 3, that his faxed instructions did not state that he was to wait for an assist boat.
He said he understood the instructions to say that the Mv. Richard C would meet up with his boat
above the Montgomery Dam. There were several sets of faxed messages in the hours before the
vessel sank. One said only, "The Richard C will help." Another (to the captain of the Richard C) said,
"At G-town, get in tow with Elizabeth M." Hudson, captain of the Richard C, testified Thursday that he
thought the message meant that he should meet Zabbone's boat at Georgetown in Beaver County and
help push the six barges. Instead, the Elizabeth M was left alone and did not wait for help, Hudson
said. A distress call from the Elizabeth M was heard by Charles Lee Montgomery, captain of the Mv.
Rocket, which was more than an hour away downstream when the call came in. He dropped off his
tow and began the seven-mile cruise to the dam. Montgomery described for the Coast Guard the
conditions he found upon arrival and said he saw two men hanging onto a ladder at the base of the
dam. He then pulled his vessel to shore and told the crew that anyone who wanted to leave could get
off. Not one of them did. Montgomery then proceeded toward the dam while his crew collected
blankets and heated chicken broth on the stove. As the testimony goes, the Rocket got to within 30
feet of the dam, turned his vessel horizontally, and his crew threw life rings to Capt. Zappone and
deckhand John Thomas. The Rocket took Zappone and Thomas to shore, where emergency workers
were waiting. According to testimony, two other nearby vessels, the Sandy Drake and the Lillian G,
also answered the distress call. One of them rescued Jacob Wilds, 26. Wilds is the crewman who
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
almost immediately hired a lawyer to represent him. The family of the missing Conklin is represented
by attorney Joseph Moschetta, who said that the 2,200 hp. Elizabeth M was scheduled for engine
overhaul this spring. He said Campbell Transportation Co., owner and operator of the sunken boat,
was negligent in allowing the vessel to attempt locking through under those conditions, especially
when many other boats were tied off because of high water. There has been speculation, basically
stirred up by the terminology used by the press, about whether or not Conklin had a license. The press
called it provisional. That is incorrect. The Coast Guard does not issue provisional licenses. However,
from a legal standpoint, Conklin had a valid pilot's license. It is Campbell's policy to have licensed
pilots who join the firm "post" (or learn about) the rivers upon which they will operate. Conklin was in
the pilothouse with Scott Stewart, a licensed pilot, in order to learn more about the river. As far as the
Coast Guard is concerned, Conklin already had a valid pilot's license. The press reports we've seen
do not indicate that the Coast Guard established the time line satisfactorily if at all. From what we have
learned, Conklin pushed the six-barge tow out of the lock "on the fly", which means he did not drop the
towboat back down behind the tow and to get wired up securely before proceeding out of the lock. The
Elizabeth M was on the hip (port side of the barges) when it pushed out of the lock. As we reported
earlier in this story, Zappone supposedly had gotten control of the barges and was heading upriver
when one began to sink. Back to the time line issue, we know that Zappone was awakened by the
alarm and rushed to the pilothouse. Therefore, a serious problem existed before he arrived or the
alarm would not have been sounded. This does not contradict his statement. It merely confirms that
the tow was in some degree of trouble before he arrived at the pilothouse. Another element that we
believe draws speculation is the statement by Wilds that the crew had time to take pictures. The
accident took place at 2:30 a.m. or so. From where did the light come to enable picture taking? We
must admit that if powerful searchlights were in use and if the dam also had bright lights mounted over
it, that would provide some illumination, and a sensitive digital camera could capture the scene. But
we know nothing about a searchlight being used (perhaps that would be the usual thing with the tow
going through the lock) nor about lights on the locks and dam. Actually the picture-taking is only
important as it relates to the state of mind of the deckhands. If they actually did take pictures, could
one assume they were not particularly worried? One of the lawyers mentioned the picture issue in his
statement. (Editor's note: There has been considerable speculation about Conklin, who early reports
said held a provisional pilot's license. The Coast Guard does not issue them.) In charge of the hearing
was Lt. Cmdr. Michael Kelly, who agreed Friday (February 4) to enter into evidence Conklin's
experience in the military. The "Observer-Reporter" indicated that Conklin's service included "12 years
of service operating army watercraft." This information came from a resume provided by his family.
Conklin's sister, Kathy Herrold, let it be known that if they are going to say her brother may have been
piloting the boat, she wanted them to know that he knew what he was doing. She said she attended
the hearing because her brother didn't have a voice. Cmdr. Kelly said he will analyze testimony and
evidence and issue a final report on ways to prevent future accidents. The report could include
commendations for heroic actions and/or findings of negligence, he said. It was explained that while
the hearing was not a trial, lawyers were granted permission to question witnesses and to make
closing statements. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Barges Strike Bridges at Vicksburg Again
According to Associated Press and Coast Guard reports, for the third time in eight days barges hit
both Mississippi River bridges at Vicksburg. It happened on Wednesday, February 2. A witness said
he saw 10 or 12 barges in the tow scattered all over the river. A sheriff's office spokesman said that
one grain barge sank 100-200 yards down river from Interstate 20 and Old U.S. 80 bridges. Little
information is given, except that Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace told the AP that the boat that was
pushing the barges is owned by Ingram Barge Co., Paducah, and that it was of the 10,000 hp. Variety.
(Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Two tugs ordered by the Curaçao Towage Company Ltd.
By Joop Kooijman , Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles In the Curaçao press of February 12 last, it was
published that the Curaçao Towage Company Ltd, locally known as KTK (the acronym for the towage
company in the local language Papiamento) has ordered two tugs by Damen Shipyards in the
Netherlands for contractual price of US$ 11 million. The specifics of the tugs are not known, but most
probably they are of the sturdy standard type for use in harbors but also for towage within the waters
of the western hemisphere. At present the Curaçao Towage Company operates three 60 ton bollard
pull tugs: the Lima II and Jaro are owned, the third Maria Luisa II is leased from Svitzer- Wijsmuller.
Since Smit Antilles Ltd. – which tugboat company attended the needs of the oil terminal at
Bullenbaai with two tugboats – was no longer allowed to operate domestically, the Curaçao Towage
Company has to take care of all towage jobs and often not enough tugboats are available to assist
the incoming and outgoing tankers, which pass through the center of the city of Willemstad and also
attend the shipping at Bullenbaai (the 17 million barrel oil terminal operated by the local Curaçao
refinery ISLA leased by the Venezuelan PDVSA). The Bullenbay is 45 minutes sailing away from the
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
main channel, where the tugboats are moored in front of the Head Office. Besides harbor towage, the
tugs are also involved in ocean towage. At present the LIMA II is on its way from Caicos and Grand
Turk (North of Hispaniola) with the dredger Hercules to Curaçao, thus the remaining tugs are working
at their maximum capacity (Bron: Shipping News)
Two stroke power for mega tug
MAN B&W Diesel A/S, Denmark has been awarded the contract to supply a complete
twin-screw lowspeed two-stroke propulsion package for a 90 m, 11,000 kW oceanic
mega tug boat. The newbuilding is under construction at Wuchang Shipyard, Wuhan,
China for the owner Shanghai Salvage Co. Ltd., which owns a large fleet of various salvage tugs and
tug boats. The newbuilding, which is scheduled to be delivered during April 2006, will be operated by
the Hong Kong-based Shen Hua Shipping Company Ltd. The primary tasks of the SDARI (Shanghai
Research and design Institute)-designed vessel will be oceanic towing. The heavy fuel oil burning
propulsion package solution is based on two 8S35MC twostroke engines, two VBS1080 controllable
pitch propellers and an Alphatronic 2000 Propulsion Control System. The shipment of engines and
propulsion equipment from Denmark to China is scheduled to take place between June and August-beginning
with the propulsion control equipment--to match the shipyard installation schedule. Length
oa 89.9 m - Length wl 85.9 m - Length pp 80.0 m Breadth 17.2 m Draft max 6.8 m Main engines 2 x
MAN B&W Diesel 8S35MC Output 5920 kW at 173 r/min Propellers 2 x MAN B&W Diesel VBS1080
Propeller diameter 3,700 mm Bollard pull 188 tons Speed 16 knots Control system MAN B&W
Diesel Alphatronic 2000 Classification China Classification Society Ice class B2 Class notation CSA 5/5
Tug, CSM, AUTO-0, SCM, CMS Propulsion package particulars: Main engines: Two MAN B&W Diesel
8S35MC engines, specified for HFO operation, according to the IF180 fuel specification. The total
engine output amounts to 2 x 5,920 kW (2 x 8,050 bhp) at 173 r/min. Tunnel gearboxes and
alternators: Two Flender type GUG 1200 gearboxes with a speed ratio of 170:1500 r/min. Each
drives an 1160 kW / 1375 KVA shaft alternator via a flexible tooth coupling. Propellers and
shafting: Two MAN B&W Diesel four-bladed CP Propellers with a diameter of 3,700 mm. The
propellers are designated VBS1080, with medium-skew propeller blade profiles optimized for nozzle
operation with a speed of 170 r/min. The propeller shaftlines each consist of a 17m tail shaft, an ODS
oil distribution unit/coupling flange and 3 x 6 m intermediate shafts. Control system: The
Alphatronic 2000 Propulsion Control System, with twin main bridge and control room maneuver
stations, includes interfaces to a power management system and a Kongsberg Simrad JoyStick System
coordinating the control of propellers, rudders and tunnel thrusters. (Bron: Shipping News)
Bollinger Contracted to Build Two for Bouchard
2/17/05 6:52:16 AM Bouchard’s B.No. 225, sister hull to the
announced newbuilds, B. No. 280 and B.No. 205, travels
down the Mississippi River on her maiden voyage following
delivery from Bollinger. Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. of
Lockport, Louisiana and Bouchard Coastwise Management,
Corp., Hicksville, N.Y., one of the largest operators of
double hull articulated tug/barge (ATB) units in the United
States, signed a contract for Bollinger to build two doublehull,
ocean-going barges that meet the requirements of the
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA’90). These two additions will
give Bouchard fourteen OPA’90 barges in their fleet. This
addition to the Bollinger yards portfolio, will bring the
delivered OPA’90 barge count to thirty-three when both
units are delivered. Following on the success of the recent
Bollinger delivered ATB’s, 110,000 barrel B. No.225 with
tug JANE A. BOUCHARD and delivery of the 145,000
barrel B. No.242 with the tug MORTON S. BOUCHARD IV,
Bouchard has again teamed with Bollinger for their fleet
expansion. B. No.280 will have a 80,000-barrel capacity
and the B. No.205 will be able to carry 110,000 barrels.
Delivery of the first barge is scheduled for November, 2005
and delivery of the second barge is planned for October,
2006. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Morton S.
Bouchard III, president and chief executive officer of
Bouchard Affiliates, said “We are pleased that Bouchard
and Bollinger have come to an agreement to construct the
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
first two vessels of Bouchard’s second phase construction program.” The first new Bouchard barge,
B. No.280 will be a clean oil barge measuring 399-feet long, with a 74-foot beam and a depth of 28feet.
The second barge, B. No.205 will be a black oil barge measuring 430-feet long, with a 79-foot
beam and a depth of 34-feet. Their sterns will be built with a notch and vertical ladder structure as part
of its Intercon coupler system. “The Bollinger organization is pleased to be a part of Bouchard’s future
plans.” said Donald “Boysie” Bollinger, chairman and chief executive officer of Bollinger Shipyards,
Inc., “Our employees are dedicated to making the Bollinger built units the best in the industry.” (Bron:
Marinelink)
Fairmount Marine bestelt vierde sleper in Japan
Fairmount Marine in Rotterdam heeft bij de apanse Nnigata-werf een vierde zeesleper besteld. Het is
een zusterschip van de eerder bij deze werf bestelde drie superzware zeeslepers. Tevens is een optie
genomen voor een vijfde sleper. Vorig jaar kondigde Fairmount de bouw van de superslepers
Faimount Sherpa en Fairmount Summit aan, die respecievelijk in mei en oktober van dit jaar worden
opgeleverd. Kort daarop maakte de rederij bekend een bouwopdracht te hebben verleend voor een
derde sleper, die de naam van Fairmount Alphine heeft gekregen en in mei 2006 wordt opgeleverd.
En nu komen daar nog een vierde en wellicht een vijfde sleper bij. Nummer vier moet in oktober 2006
worden opgeleverd en gaat Fairmount Glacier heten. De slepers krijgen elk een trekkracht van 200
ton en behoren hiermee tot de sterkste in hun soort. Fairmount oprichter Henk van den Berg wil met
deze vier krachtpatsers de gevestigde orde in de zeesleepvaartsector, waaronder ITC en de Global
Towing Alliance waarin SmitWjs Towage deelneemt, gaan beconcurreren. Hij heeft hiervoor met
Semco Salvage & Marine uit Singapore, die sinds kort over twee zeer sterke nieuwe zeeslepers
beschikt, het samenwerkingsverband OneAllianz opgericht. Van den Berg meent dat hij, met een vloot
van moderne zeeslepers, de zwaar verouderde vloot van SmitWijs Towage en ITC, op grote
achterstand kan zetten. Fairmount heeft voor de eerste twee superslepers al een sleepopdracht
binnengehaald. In opdracht van Technip France worden begin 2006 de Fairmount Sherpa en de
Fairmount Summit ingezet om de nieuw gebouwde Dalia FPSO te verslepen van de werf in Zuid-
Korea naar het Dalia veld, offshore Angola. De Dalia FPSO is 312 meter lang en 60 meter breed.
(Bron: Schuttevaer)
Niestern Sander brengt sleper Holland weer in originele staat
Koninklijke Niestern Sander in Delfzijl geeft de voormalige Doeksen sleper Holland haar originele kop
terug. Het complete voorschip wordt in oorspronkelijke staat teruggebracht. De Holland werd in de
naoorlogse jaren onder bouwnummer 111 gebouwd bij Ferus Smit aan het Winschoterdiep en is nu
eigendom van de Stichting Zeesleepboot Holland West Terschelling. De sleper si (57,35x9,50x4,50
meter) is uitgerust met een Werkspoor Diesel van 3000 pk. Aan de bouw van het toentertijd meest
besproken schip dat van een Groninger helling gleed, ging en roemruchte geschiedenis vooraf. Het
was het tweede bergingschip met de naam Holland, dat rederij Doeksen van Terschelling bij Ferus
Smit bestelde. In 1939 bouwde de werf al een voor die jaren reusachtige sleepboot. Kort na de Duitse
bezetting stond het casco van de Holland op de bouwkade en werd in beslag genomen. In Duitse
dienst in het Oostzeegebied werd ze gebruikt om aangeschoten schepen uit het strijdgewoel te
helpen. Een goedgerichte Britse torpedo bracht haar in 1942 tot zinken. In 1950 bestelde Doeksen
een tweede Holland. Het schip kon worden gefinancieerd met herstelbetalingen van de Duitsers. De
bouw van dit schip, dat naast sleep- en bergingswerk ook de veerdiensten van Harlingen naar
Terschelling en Vlieland kon onderhouden, geschiedde onder toezicht van Bureau Schouten uit
Heemstede. In het achterdeel van de opbouw werd een gecombineerde sleeplier met een trekkracht
van vijftig ton van de machinefabriek Hatlapa geplaatst. Verder was het schip voorzien van een
electrische ankerlier en kaapstander. Aan stuurboord bevond zich een bergingspomp van 600 kuub
per uur, aan bakboord een brandbluspomp van 150 kuub per uur. In de schoorsteen werd een
waterkanon gebouwd, dat zowel aan stuur- als aan bakboord water kon geven. De tien cilinder
Werkspoor motor was destijds de grootste van deze fabriek. Vanaf 1951 tot 1975 was de Holland
gestationeerd op West Terschelling. In die tijd werden 161 schepen binnengebracht, werden 309
konvooidiensten verricht, moesten 9 schepen worden opgegeven en deed het schip 72 sleepreizen,
waaronder twee Atlantische. In 1975 verhuurde Doeksen het schip aan Rijkswaterstaat en in 1998
werd ze verkocht aan holland Shipping Company (Arjen Terpstra en Bert Blokhuis). In januari 2001
kwam de Hollan in bezit van de Stichting Zeesleepboot Holland met thuishaven de Oude Rijkswerf in
Den Helder. Koninklijke Niestern Sander zal de bijna 55 jarige Holland begin maart weer opleveren.
(Bron: Schuttevaer).
Note van de samensteller van S & O Nieuws: Mijn eerste reis in januari 1966, als leerling WTK aan
boord van de Schelde (Smit) was het verslepen, samen met de HOLLAND, van een zelfheffende
booreiland van de waddeneilanden naar de Belgische kust.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Kintore sold
Hector, ex Kintore is due to leave Invergordon for Istanbul on the 18th Jan. en route to a Black Sea
port in Ukraine. (Bron: Nico Jonker)
OFFSHORE NEWS:
Brevik to build UT712 for Farstad
Farstad Supply AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Farstad Shipping ASA, has reached an agreement
with Brevik Construction AS, a subsidiary of Aker Brevik, for the building of an anchor handling tug
supply vessel for delivery in April 2006. The vessel is a UT712L.Farstad Supply has also signed an
agreement with the yard for optional 1+1 UT712L vessels. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
NOR Offshore concludes bareboat charter with Jaya
NOR Offshore Pte Ltd(NOR) in Singapore, in which Solstad Offshore ASA has a 33 per cent share,
has entered into a bare-boat agreement with Jaya Holdings Ltd to charter two vessels. The firm
duration of the bareboat agreements are 15 and 8 months respectively. In addition, NOR has the
option to extend the agreement for the first vessel to five years. NOR also has an option to purchase
the first vessel and an obligation to purchase the second, during the charter periods. The vessels,
presently under construction in Batam, Indonesia, are sister vessels and due for delivery in May and
November 2005, respectively, and are anchor handlers with additional equipment such as DP2,
accommodation for 42 persons and firefighting. The first vessel, to be named Nor Sea has already
been awarded a three month charter as a ROV support vessel on the Sakhalin field in Russia. (Bron:
Leo Kramer)
Far Grimshader fixed with TEAM
Farstad Shipping has contracted their PSV UT706L Far Grimshader to TEAM Marine. The contract
period is for a period of 12 months and will commence circa April when the vessel will complete its
current TEAM Marine charter.As Seabrokers recently reported, Far Grimshader is currently front
running for the PSV VS483 Far Strider that is presently with Norsk Hydro, so when the Strider comes
back to TEAM, the official start date on the Grimshader's one-year term charter will ommence."Market
forces have been moving on in recent months and the 1983 built Far Grimshader is believed to have
fixed between £9,000 and £10,000 per day level. This fixture also means that Farstad will have four
supply vessels on term charter to TEAM Marine. The VS483 Far Supplier is on charter until January
2007, UT705LX Far Superior is also on charter until January 2007, and the VS483 Far Strider until
January 2006," noted Seabrokers.This quartet of fixtures eclipses the brace of Gulf Offshore vessels
that they have fixed with TEAM. Currently Gulf has its PSVs UT705 Highland Star and Highland
Pride committed to the consortium.It is understood that the Far Grimshader will mainly support
drilling operations in the UK Southern sector for TEAM member ConocoPhillips. (Bron: Shipping
News)
Bourbon Topaz named at Ulstein Verft
The latest addition to Groupe Bourbon's fleet, Bourbon Topaz, was formally named earlier this
month.This is the first time Ulstein Verft AS has delivered a vessel to Bourbon Offshore Norway, and it
is also the first Ulstein designed vessel in the Bourbon fleet. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Tidewater re-emerges in North Sea
As broker Seabrokers reported recently, for the world's largest offshore fleet owner, Tidewater's North
Sea presence is surprisingly sparse.However, this is possibly set to change with the arrival of a couple
of vessels in the coming weeks and months.Soon to arrive is the AHTS VS486 John P Laborde,
Which will join the newbuild already here, the AHTS NED 1144 J Hugh Roff Jnr. Tidewater informed
Seabrokers that another 3-4 vessels maybe heading this way too. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Swire Pacific vessels bound for North Sea
Swire Pacific Offshore's AHTS UT720 Pacific Brigand and Pacific Blade will be making their way to
the North Sea from the West African spot market, to commence a 130 day + options charters with
Italian construction giants Saipem, reports Seabrokers. Both vessels will be working together with their
sister AHTS Pacific Banner supporting the semi-submersible pipelay barge Castoro Sei.The charter
is scheduled to commence in March. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Highland Courage to leave North Sea
Seabrokers reports that BHP has contracted the Gulf Offshore owned AHTS UT722L Highland
Courage. The vessel delivered to BHP on January 30th and will be away from the North Sea spot
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
market for several months supporting the Ensco 85 jack up.The rig will be drilling several wells on
BHP's Lennox field in the Irish Sea. This will be the second Gulf UT722L vessel to have left the North
Sea arena, the other being the sister vessel the Highland Valour that departed the North Sea earlier
this month to tow the Safe Scandinavia accommodation rig down to the Mediterranean and is
currently en route back to North Sea at the time of writing. (Bron: Shipping News)
Toisa Invincible to support Sedco 714
Seabrokers reports that BG has fixed the PSV VS483 Toisa Invincible to support the semi Sedco
714 for one well plus one well option, commencing in mid-February.Once this is completed the vessel
will then support the semi GlobalSantaFe 140 rig on behalf of BG for five wells plus options. This
charter is due to begin mid-June 2005.Toisa Invincible is currently supporting the semi Sedco 714 on
behalf of Talisman and is expected to remain with the charterer until the rig moves over to BG. It is
expected that the vessel will continue to be utilised by BG until the end of the year. (Bron: Shipping
News)
OSL surveys recent secondhand activity
Offshore Shipbrokers Ltd (OSL) says Seabulk has sold the Seabulk Penguin 2 (built1976 -7,760BHP)
to Magnum International on private terms.The AHTS Lady Elaine (built 1983 - 10,560 BHP) has been
sold to Petra Perdana Malaysia for a price in the region of US$6,250,000.Jaya Offshore has sold its
newbuilding AHTS hull number 838 to Wise Innovations Malaysia for a price in the region of US$20
million. OSL also reports that the AHT Seabulk Cygnet 1 (built 1974-5,600BHP) has been sold to
Spanish Buyers on private terms with handover already completed. The vessel will be renamed Facal
20.The AHT Seabulk Cygnet 2 (built 1976 - 5600 BHP) has been sold to Maridive Egypt for a price in
the region of US$750,000.The supply vessels Gulf Yankee (built 1982 - 3900BHP) and Gulf Frontier
(built 1981 - 3600 BHP) have been sold to Middle East buyers on private terms. Asking price was in
excess of US$3.5 million (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Broker highlights recent orders
Broker Offshore Shipbrokers Ltd (OSL) says DOF has ordered a PSV of the MT6000 design from Aker
Brattvaag at a cost of Norwegian Kroner 200,000,000 for delivery in January 2006. Norskan Offshore
has ordered a UT722L AHTS for delivery in June 2006 with Aker Promar in Brazil. OSL confirmed that
Bourbon Offshore has declared its option at Ulstein Verft for the construction of a PSV of the P105
design. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 9
dd. 27 Februari 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Havila koopt Seacor Schepen
We hear that Havila have purchased the UK based Seacor fleet for about 85 million dollars. The five
ships involved are the Stirling Tay renamed Havila Faith, Stirling Spey renamed Havila Favour, Smit-
Loyd Fame renamed Havila Fame, Stirling Pegasus renamed Havila Fortune , and Stirling Iona
renamed Havila Force (Bron: Jan Plug)
Tewater
Svitzer Levti In december 2004 is voor Svitzer de Svitzer Levti (300 brt.) bij ASL Shipyard ,
Singapore tewater gelaten. Bouwnummer 359. Vlag VCT.
Noble Spirit Ook in december 2004 is tewater gelaten de Noble Spirit (246 brt.) voor PSA Marine,
bij Keppel Singmarine, bouwnr. 271.
KST Sedna Eveneens in december 2004 bij Keppel Singmarine de KST Sedna (246 brt.) voor
Keppel S., bouwnummer 270.
(Bron: Jaap Bijl)
Smitwijs Singapore Reports
Even weer wat ditjes en datjes van de afgelopen weken. De vorige sleep (rig Ensco-76) op de 2 e
overgegeven aan de Rotterdam, 100mijl west van Grand Cayman, om wat meer tijd te hebben in
Corpus Christi voor de noodzakelijke reparaties. De verwachte aankomst was de 5e, maar... Kregen
op de 4e echter weer de opdracht terug te keren naar de Rotterdam, deze had wat probleempjes met
de motoren en wij moesten er even op vast maken om haar de gelegenheid te geven de motoren te
stoppen. De 5e ongeveer 2 uurtjes de Rotterdam + Ensco-76 aan de draad gehad en daarna weer
met gezwinde spoed naar Corpus. Kwamen daar de 7e s'ochtends aan, een dikke week wat repareren
en vervolgens nog een kleine week wachten op het vertrek met de huidige sleep, de H-851 geladen
met de Benguela/Belize Tower, met bestemming Cabinda, Angola. De 10e is de Rotterdam ook in
Corpus aangekomen en gezusterlijk hebben we liggen wachten op het vertrek. Een niet onaardig
plaatsje dat Corpus, hoewel we de langste tijd aan de verkeerde kant van de haven lagen.
De bedoeling was om de 16e te gaan vertrekken, maar Heerema was nog niet klaar met de bak en
ook het weer gooide nog wat roet in het eten. Uiteindelijk zijn we na het weekend op de 21e in dichte
mist vertrokken.De Rotterdam al vast bij de Kiewit werf Ingleside en wij hebben buiten het touwtje er
aan vast geknoopt. Denken er ongeveer 40 dagen over te doen om bij het Kuito Olieveld aan te
komen, daar wordt het geval door de Thialf van Heerema op zijn plek op de zeebodem gezet. Vaart
door het water momenteel 7 tot 7.5. De Wolraad Woltemade had de 23e moeten vertrekken met het
tweede gedeelte van de Benguela/Belize Tower, maar ook hier gooide het weer eens wat in de war en
die staat nu voor vertrek op de 26e. Sinds afgelopen maandag kunnen we onze eigen weerkaarten
maken. De schepen worden geabonneerd (test) op het zg SPOS van Meteo Consult, die van RTL,
krijgen 2 keer daags gegevens per email en importeren die in het programma en voila de weerkaatjes
van +0 tot +120 uur rollen eruit. Eerste indruk is prima. Het is ook te gebruiken als klimaat atlas.
Van een vorige sleep, de Moss Sirius - met de Rotterdam van Noorwegen naar Brownsville gebracht
om daar als radar station te worden ingericht : De radar installatie is nu bijna klaar (zelfde werf in
Ingleside als ons spulletje). De Semi-sub SBX-1 (ex Moss Sirius) gaat volgens de laatste berichten
van Brownsville naar Ingleside halverwege maart, om het radargebeuren er op te plaatsen.
Vervolgens is het dan de bedoeling dat de SBX-1 dan ergens in juni zelfvarend via Straat Magalane
naar Hawaii gaat, om daar de "Star Wars Radar" verder uit te testen. (Bron: Kapitein Heerema)
Smit bestelt slepers Nigeria bij Damen
De vloot van sleepboten en werkvaartuigen van Smit Nigeria Ltd. In Lagos wordt uitgebreid met twee
stuks sterke kust- annex havensleepboten en een loodsboot. Scheepswerf Damen gaat de drie
schepen bouwen. Na oplevering gaan ze gastankers assisteren bij de grote LNG-terminal op het
eiland Bonny in de delta van de Niger. Door de uitbreiding van de LNG-terminal op Bonny Island wordt
daar steeds meer vloeibaar gas geproduceerd, dat met LNG-tankers moet worden afgevoerd. Het
aantal tankers dat de terminal aandoet, neemt hierdoor ook steeds toe. Voor het assisteren van deze
vaartuigen heeft Smit-dochter Smit Nigeria Ltd vier Damen ASD Tugs, twee Damen Pushy Cats en
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
een bemannings-annex loodsvaartuig van het type Damen Stan Crew Tender in de vaart. Al deze
vaartuigen zijn in 1999 door de werf in Gorinchem opgeleverd. Voor de bouw van de drie nieuwe
schepen heeft Smit Nigeria Ltd. Wederom een beroep op Scheepswerf Damen gedaan. De twee
slepers worden van het type Damen ASD Tug 3110 en zijn ermee nagenoeg identiek aan de vier
eerder geleverde slepers. Ze krijgen een trekkracht van 58 ton en worden achtereenvolgens op 24
februari en 14 april 2006 opgeleverd. Het loodsvaartuig, een Damen Alu Cat 1605, wordt door
waterjets aangedreven en zal nog dit jar, op 15 juni om precies te zijn, worden overgedragen. (Bron:
Schuttevaer)
Nieuwe sleper voor Wagenborg
Op 7 februari is in Istanboel de nieuwe sleepboot Waterstraat voor Wagenborg Sleepdienst in Delfzijl
aan dek gezet van de coaster Ambassadeur. Deze achttien meter lange en zeven meter brede
sleepboot is gekocht van de Turkse Scheepswerf Medmarine in Dilovasi aan de Zwarte Zee, die haar
in eigen beheer had gebouwd. De dubbelschroever, met een bollard pull van dertig ton, heeft twee
Caterpillar-motoren van elk 1100 pk. Het transport komt eind februari in de Eemshaven aan. Voor het
sleepwerk wordt in Nederland nog een sleeplier geplaatst (Bron: Schuttevaer)
New building Adsteam
The intended name for the first of the new AdSteam UK vessels now nearing completion (Yard No.
512202) at Damen Changde, China is ADSTEAM FERRIBY (port of registry: Hull). The other two
ASD2411 type vessels for AdSteam UK (Yard Nos 512203 & 512204), are under construction at the
Song Cam Shipyard, Vietnam. (Bron: Nico Jonker)
WSS Marine News
Aeger 385/03 – tug. Has been renamed Asterix by Dansk Bjergning og Bugsering ApS, Denmark
(DIS).
Bourbon Castle, (Havila Castle – 03, Boa Sword 98, Far Sword – 97, Highland Light – 90, Wimpey
Seahunter – 88) 2024/82 – Offshore tug/supply. By Bourbon Cayman Ltd, Canada to Intra-Oil
Services Berhad, Belize and renamed Ios Castle
Bourbon Trader, (Havila Trader – 03, Boa Trader – 98, Strathfarrar –n96, Stad Troll – 88) 2478/79 –
Offshore supply. By Bourbon Ships AS Norway to Intra-Oil Services Berhad, Belize and renamed Ios
Jumbo.
Multratug 11, (Mercur – 00) 243/72 – tug. By Multratug BV Netherlands to Porta Zegluga Sp, Poland
and renamed Serwal 2
Norskan Ipanema, 319/02 – tug. By Norskan Offshore Ltda to Seabulk Offshore do Brazil Ltda. Both
Brazil and renamed Seabulk Ipanema.
Primernyy, 1163/76 – tug, Has been renamed Yuriy Orlenko by Vladivostok Fishing Port State
Administration, Russia
Seabulk Gabrielle, (Ocean Pioneer – 97, Gray Rove – 95, Nuti – 81, launched as Fook Gee One),
430/81 – tug/supply. Has been renamed Gabrielle by Seabulk Gabrielle Inc. UAE, and registerd to
Tonga Registry.
Stirling Aquarius, (Star Aquarius – 96, Ger Viking – 94), 2650/91 – Offshore tug/supply. By Stirling
Offshore Ltd to Langefoss AS, both Isle of Man (British) and renamed Aquarius.
Texan, 199/79 – tug. By Odyssea Vessels Inc. To Martin Gas marine Inc. Both USA. Name
unchanged.
Wldebeest, 721/73 – supply. By Seaworx BV, Netherlands to Oceanmotive BV. St Vincent and the
Grenadines. Name unchanged.
WSS Members Reports
Boa Tor 408/94 was renamed Tak-9 (ltu) prior to 9/8/2004.
Bourbon Captain 1658/83 was renamed Petra 2 (Mys) prior to 22/6/2004 and then Ios Captain
(Mys) prior to 25/10/2004
Bourbon Castle 2024/82 was renamed Ios Castle (Blz) prior to 15/11/2004 (see above)
Bourbon Champion 1654/83 was renamed Petra 1 (Mys) prior to 28/6/2004 and then Ios Champion
(Mys) prior to 27/9/2004
Bourbon Trader 2478/79 was renamed Ios Jumbo (Blz) prior to 8/11/2004 (see above)
Ems Express 327/96 – tug was renamed Kenley (Vct) prior to 6/9/2004
Midgard I 196/73 – tug was renamed Geeste (Deu) prior to 13/9/2004
Midgard II 230/83 – tug was renamed Brake (Deu) prior to 13/9/2004
Ocean Chief 290/43 – tug was seen as Ocean Lady at Dordrecht on 2/12/2004
Seabulk Carolyn 408/98 – tug was renamed Tatich prior to 10/2/2003 and then Caballo Appaloosa
(Mex) prior to 2/6/2004
Seabulk Katie 408/98 – tug was renamed Caballo Lipizano (Mex) prior to 4/10/2004
Seabulk Kentucky 627/83 was renamed Nw Nuevo Leon (Gbr) at Rotterdam on 22/11/2004
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Smit-Lloyd 55 1222/88 was reported to have been renamed Ocean Cairo
Smit-Lloyd 57 1256/87 was renamed Dea Odyssey (Bhs) prior to 19/7/2004
Solano 978/77 was renamed Karar (Bhs) prior to 15/11/2004
Wandelaar 280/70 – tug sailed from the Schelde as Jaguar (Pol) on 1/12/2004
Adsteam reports strong half-year
TOWAGE operator Adsteam Marine has reported a 13% increase in net profit for the six months to 31
December 2004. Profit rose to A$12.8M ($10M) on the back of a 10% growth in operating revenue to
A$164.3M and cost reductions. Adsteam managing director John Moller forecast that the second half
of the 2004-05 financial year would see greater savings filtering through from the introduction of
threeman tug crews in Adsteam's UK operations. There may also be savings in tax paid in the UK as
transition arrangements relating to UK tonnage tax are being finalised and, said Moller, "there has
been good progress to date." In Australia, Adsteam has benefited from an interim government subsidy
for the provision of emergency response towage. Despite competition in Australia, market share had
been maintained in all ports and Adsteam has won the towage contract for Darwin's new LNG
terminal. Adsteam took delivery of two new tugs in the second half of 2004 and has a further five on
order. (Bron: Daily press clippings)
International Salvor Tsavliris
Tsavliris has recently relaunched its website www.tsavliris.com The colorful new website is dynamic,
more informative, easy to navigate and up to date. Direct links are provided to Tsavliris emergency
contact numbers, latest salvage operations, latest news and pubications. A flash animated archive is
also available, illustrating on a world map a selection of major operations performed between 1981
and 1999. (Bron:maritime journal)
Duke of Normandy to be replaced
Jersey Harbours, in the UK Channel Islands, are to have a sophisticated new flagship, a 26m Damen
Shoalbuster tug designed to undertake a wide range of duties in the locality. The new vessel will
replace the 33-years old Duke of Nomandy built for towage and general port maintenance duties in
1972 by John Bolson & Son in Poole. Based in St.Helier this earlier vessel has given sterling service,
working around the Jersey ports and neighbouring islands. But the new vessel, destined to bear the
same name, will transform and extend the services undertaken by Jersey Harbours, a subsidiary of
the governing body – the States of Jersey. With four times the power of the earlier tug, the new vessel
is one of the generation of Damen Shoalbuster 2609 vessels, with a good towing performance and a
wide range of facilities for lifting and dredging with a towed plough. A twin screw shallow draft vessel
of 26,02 mtrs with a beam of 9,10 mtrs, the tug will be fitted with two Caterpillar 3508BTA main
engines producing a total of 2200 bhp. In keeping with other vessels of this type it will have a powerful
140 tons metric hydraulic crane, a large clear working deck, stern roller and bow thruster. The new
Duke of Normandy will be capable of assisting the new breed of large ferries to berth in bad weather
and deal with emergencies such as drifting vessels and oil pollution around the Channel Islands. With
her shallow draft, she will be able to approach a casualty in danger of grounding to make a towing
connection, unlike larger tugs from France and the UK that are often of limited use in the shallow local
waters. Major savings are expected, particularly in the maintenance of buoys and seamarks, dredgig
and general port maintenance tasks. Equipment will be fitted to enable the vessel, using her crane, to
lift and replace buoys and their sinkers much more efficiently than before, using less man-power and
obviating the need to hire in resources from elswhere. The tug will also be used for charter work and
to carry out similar tasks for the other islands. Using the tug to carry out dredging is likely to result in a
decrease in the frequency of major harbour dredging operations. The towed plough will enable bed
levelling to be carried out and silt to be moved out through the harbour entrance. This could reduce
the need to dredge St.Helier harbour to once every 15 years instead of the present 10. The hull of the
new vessel was constructed in a Polish shipyard at Kozle and has been towed to the Netherlands to
be fitted out Damen’s Hardinxveld shipyard. On announcing the order Deputy Harbour Master Captain
Peter Moore said; ‘When we went out to tender some 13 yards approuched us, but it was not difficult
to choose the Damen proposal. The Shoalbuster is a tried and proven design and so 95% of the new
Duke is virtually off the shelf, saving us both time and money’. The old Duke of Normandy will be
taken in part exchange by Damen and has already appeared in their sale lists. The new Duke of
Normandy is due to be delivered to Jersey Harbours in June and will be displayed at seawork. Some
crew retraining and familiarisation will be carried out, initially at the Damen yard, explained Capt.
Moore, and both Commodore Shipping and Huelin-Renouf have readily agreed to co-perate with us in
practising the berthing of large vessels. (Bron:maritime journal)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 10
dd. 06 Maart 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Gurrong
Te Duinkerken is de Gurrong intussen van naam veranderd in Adsteam Victory. Aan de Honce is nog
niets gedaan. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Les Abeilles
Les Abeilles trekt zich uit Bonen terug, omdat de omzet daar vorig jaar is gedaalt van €700,000 tot
€344,000. De Boulonnais werd volgens 'Le Marin' voor €600,000 verkocht aan de plaatslijke kamer
van koophandel, Chambre de Commerce de Boulogne Côte d'Opale. De Kamer op haar buurt
verhuurd de sleepboot aan de nieuwe sleepdienst van Bonen; SARL Compagnie Boulonnaise de
Remorquage et de Savetage, een dochtermaatschappij van Compagnie Maritime Chambon, die reeds
in de naburige haven van Kales bezig is. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Stanford
De Stanford is inmiddels door Damen aan BP opgeleverd en werkt momenteel te Hound Point in
Schotland. Ook de Castle Point zal voorlopig vanuit Hound Point gaan werken. Eind maart of begin
april zullen ze naar de Thames worden gedirigeerd. De Corringham, die in juni zal worden
opgeleverd gaat direct naar de Thames. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Intrepid B
De Intrepid B van D. Little Engineering is op haar ligplaats te Fishguard gezonken. Zij zal door
Wijsmuller worden gelicht. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Kintore
Knight heeft de Kintore op 15.2.05 verkocht aan Stargazer Maritime, een liberiaans maatschappij, en
zal als Hector in de Oekraine gaan werken. Vermoedelijk zitten Oekraïense geïnteresseerde achter
Stargazer Maritime. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
BP Award Tug Management Contract to Targe
Targe Towing Ltd, based in Montrose, Scotland, has been awarded a management contract to opeate
a new tug fleet to be based at the BP Coryton oil refinery in the Thames Estuary. Three new fire
fighting tugs with a bollard pull of 70 tonnes, have been ordered from Damen Shipyards and will
delivered during the next few months. Named Stanford, Castle Point and Corringham (se also above),
the vessels will bring the number of tugs managed and owned by Targe to 12. Construction of all three
tugs, of the Damen ASD 3211 type, is well advanced, with one being fitted out at Gorinchem and two
in Poland. The 32 mtrs stern-drive tugs will be powered by MAK 6M25 main engines delivering a total
of 5300 bhp. Power will be transmitted to a pair of Rolls Royce azimuthing propulsion units
incorporating controllable pitch propellors. All three vessels will feature an exceptionally
comprehensive fire fighting system. Targe Towing’s MD, Tom Woolley, is delighted that following the
recent tendering process and audit by BP Shipping, his team’s quality of service, underpinned by proactive
initiative in a bespoke simulator and fire fighting training for dedicated terminal tugs, has been
recognised with the award of a further BP contract. ‘Our strength’, he says, ‘can be found in the people
we employ on our ships and the team work ethos which has been developed between them and our
management team. Our combined goal is to achive the highest possible standards of ship
management and operations.’ The Targe management team was instrumental in securing a contract
with BP and Rio Tinto at their East Kalimantan coal export terminal in 1991, an operation that still
continues. Targe also manage a fleet of three, state of the art tugs at the BP terminal at Hound Point
in Scotland, including the Hopetoun, one of the largest terminal/escort tugs in the world. Targe
Towing emerged as an entity following its directors initiative in creating a dedicated tug service for
Peterhead in 1998. The company was supported in this veture by the fifth-generation Belgian tug
owning family, Letzer, who had been co-owners of Nassau Towing and for whom Tom Woolley had
worked for the previous decade. The company grew in the 1990’s becoming the principal towage
operator in the NE Scottish ports of Peterhead, Aberdeen and Dundee while at the same time
specialising in coastal and ocean tows to the Baltic, Black Sea and as far a field as Greenland. Targe
continue to service the NE Scottish ports in their own right as an independent operator. Towage
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
services at the BP Coryton facility are currently provided by Adsteam Towage Ltd. With tugs from their
base at Gravesend. (Bron: Maritime Journal)
Adsteam
Twee andere Adsteam boten, van hetzelfde type als de Adsteam Ferriby, worden de ADSTEAM
WARDEN en de ADSTEAM HARTY, beide uitgerust met blandblusinrichting en voor de Medway waar
ze voor het zelfde gasterminal contract zullen gaan werken als de Adsteam Victory. (Bron: Lawrence
Amboldt)
Engine Room Explosion on Tug
2/28/05 7:15:40 AM ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – One man was airlifted this afternoon after an engine room
explosion on board a tug. The man was airlifted by a Coast Guard rescue helicopter from Air Station
Atlantic City and taken to Saint Barnabas Hospitals burn unit in Livingston, N.J. The tug, Robert J.
Bouchard, was towing an empty oil barge 9-miles off of Seaside Heights, N.J., when the explosion
occurred. Coast Guard received the call from crewmembers using the tugs marine radio at 12:03 p.m.
The remaining five people on board were removed from the tug with out incident. Three of the
crewmembers were taken back to Coast Guard Station Manasquan while the other two remained on
board a New Jersey State Police boat. Other assetts on scene were a 47-foot patrol boat and a 23foot
rigid hull inflatable boat from Coast Guard Station Manasquan and one good samaratin vessel.
The Coast Guard and the New Jersey State Police are continuing to monitor the vessel. The cause of
the incident is still under investigation. (Bron: Marinelink)
Euro-Tugs
A new marketing-force in coastal and long-distance towage has been established by Belgian-based
URS Ocean Towage and German-based Fairplay Towage. With immediate effect, the two companies’
towage expertise and fleets in the range of 50 to 100 tons bollard pull are pooled in 'Euro-Tugs', of
which the representative office is based in Rotterdam. Consequently both parties can now offer their
clients an increased flexibility when selecting the tug(s) best suited for clients' requirements together
with an increased back-up capability.
Euro-Tugs will operate in the international towage market, the offshore and civil construction markets
and other sectors both in European waters and beyond.
The Pool will start to operate with 8 tugs in the 50 - 100 tbp range with following vessels:
Tug Bollard Pull Tug Bollard Pull
in M/tons in M/tons
ALPHONSE LETZER 94 FAIRPLAY-22 52
BANCKERT 60 FAIRPLAY-23 52
FAIRPLAY XIV 58 BOXER 50
FAIRPLAY IX 55 FIGHTER 50
Commercial management functions are based in Antwerp, Hamburg and Rotterdam.
Waterstraat
Vorige editie kon ik melde dat de Waterstraat was aangekocht door Wagenborg, Deze week zijn
nieuwe gegevens binnengekomen. De Waterstraat is ex. Alemdar M 84 brt, 2004 gebouwd, 18m29 x
7mtr. Zusterschepen zijn de Yenikoy M en Altintel M, beide eveneens uit 2004. (Met dank aan
Lawrence Amboldt)
Wie weet hier meer van?
URS Nederland zou vorig week de FINLAND en de SCHOTLAND aan een Nederlandse koper
hebben verkocht. Klopt dit wandelgang verhaal?. Weet een van jullie aan wie?
Management overdracht Smitwijs zeeslepers
Helaas ben ik een beetje laat met deze info. De zeeslepers Smitwijs Singapore; Smitwijs
Rotterdam en de Smitwijs London zijn op 1 februari 2004 in management overgegaan van Smit
Vessel Management Services – Rotterdam naar Smit Vessel Management Services – Singapore. Het
laatste stukje Hollands Glory is dus verleden tijd geworden. Operationeel en Commercieel blijft
Smitwijs nog in Rotterdam aan het bekende adres Westplein. (Bron: Hans van der Ster)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Offshore News by Seabreeze:
Topaz Takes Top Term Tender
This month saw Apache take term tonnage in the form of the newbuild PSV P105 Bourbon Topaz. The
vessel delivered to Apache on the 21st of February for a period firm until the end of May (with
options). The Topaz has taken over the role of drilling support (Apache have the Galaxy 1 and Galaxy
3 rigs working at Forties) vessel from the PSV UT745 North Mariner which has departed for a 2 week
dry docking followed by summer pipehaul work for Saipem. The diesel electric Topaz has an LOA of
86.2m, deck area of 960m2, and vast underdeck capacities of every description including MEG, TEG,
Methanol and Glycol. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Ospreys And Huskies
Canadian shipowners Atlantic Towing Ltd announced the fixture of their UT722L anchor-handler
Atlantic Osprey to Husky Energy. The vessel will depart the North Sea for the five year charter in July
of this year supporting the White Rose project. This field is located in the Jeanne d’Arc Basin 350
kilometres east of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Husky Energy anticipates first oil
from White Rose in late 2005 or early 2006. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Nice To See Ya, Malaviya
The Great Eastern Shipping Company owned UT755L PSV Malaviya Eighteen arrived in Aberdeen
this month. It has now begun its term charter with Marathon supporting the semi Noble Ton Van
Langeveld. Previously the Malaviya Eighteen has been working for ONGC for a total of 18 months,
ending last December. It will be taking over from the 6000 BHP PSV North Prince which had to go into
dry dock for routine maintenance. The Prince will be back working on the spot market around the end
of March whilst the Malaviya Eighteen will complete its charter with Marathon in mid May. (Bron:
Seabreeze)
Maersk Lead The Way
Three Maersk anchor handlers made or are making their way to Aberdeen for work with Stolt in
February and March. The 12,000 BHP Maersk Leader began work with Stolt supporting the LB 200
barge on the 25th February whilst the Maersk Seeker and Maersk Lifter should join the Leader in mid
March. All three anchor handlers are expected to remain with Stolt until the end of April . (Bron:
Seabreeze)
Supporter Goes South
Trico Supply announced the fixture of their 1996 built PSV Northern Supporter to the Dutch logistics
company Peterson. The UT 755 will begin this charter in mid March and will perform general pool
support work. Period of this term charter is firm until the end of October 2005 with a further five
monthly options. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Double DOF Shell Shuffle
Names have now been given to the Shell Shuffle newbuild vessels that Shell are chartering from DOF
Offshore. The first one is a MT6000 design named Skandi Barra which will replace the UT755 Skandi
Yare in July this year. The second change out will be the MT6009 Skandi Chieftain which will replace
the UT755L Skandi Waveney in October this year. Shell are looking forward to getting their hands on
this pair of diesel electric supply vessels, as the MT design has proved its worth with Shell and has
delivered substantial fuel savings over conventional propulsion tonnage. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Fram Fixed & Gargano Grabbed
In light of the strong market conditions and high work load, Shell UK were extending term tonnage this
month. The first one was the Edda Fram; Shell took a one year option on it and is now firm until March
2006. The second vessel was the UT755L Gargano; this time Shell declared two year options thus
retaining the vessel firm until March 2007. Both vessels are utilised in the Shell European pool and
whilst normally working out of Aberdeen, it is not uncommon for Shell to work them in Holland and
Norway. The Shell European integration certainly seems to have forged one marine unit and assets
are used where needed. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Atrek Out For Brazilian Bounty
Specialist Marine Services managed 8350 BHP AHTS Atrek (pictured below) has been chartered by
Brazilian federal energy company Petrobras. The latest delivery for this two year contract is the 30 th
April in Natal, North Brazil. The Atrek has been working in the Southern sector of the North Sea for the
past few years. (Bron: Seabreeze)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Brechtel Breath Of Fresh Air
Brechtel chartered the Trico Supply AHTS Northern Comrade for a rig tow beginning at the start of
February. The UT704 went onhire in the Netherlands commencing the journey across to Tampico in
the Gulf of Mexico. From there it will tow the semisubmersible rig Pride South Seas to Capetown with
an estimated time of arrival of around early May. Once this is complete the current plans are for the
Comrade to redeliver back in Aberdeen for the North Sea summer spot market. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Statoil Stick With Skarven
Solstad Offshore have announced the extension of their UT 716 AHTS Normand Skarven Norwegian
operators Statoil. The vessel has been extended by three years from May 2005. The value of this
extension is around 100 million NOK. Statoil have been using this anchor handler at the field. Picture
of the vessel below shows the Normand Skarven in it’s previous guise as the Troms Skarven (it was
later sold to Solstad as detailed in November’s Seabreeze). (Bron: Seabreeze)
Brute Is A Beaut
Tidewater AHTS UT704 Brute Tide has been chartered by Petrobras for a two year firm plus options
charter. The 1982 built anchor handler should begin this charter in May 2005 after completion of work
with Stolt Offshore in Angola. (Bron: Seabreeze)
All Aboard John P Laborde
Tidewater had a new arrival reach Aberdeen this month - the VS486 anchor-handler John P Laborde
Named after the Director, Past Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tidewater Inc, the
vessel was built in the Yantai yard of China and its main specifications include 26,400 brake horse
power and a bollard pull of 216 tons. Boasting just over 600 square metres of deck as well as DP 2,
we are sure it will make an important contribution to the market. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Sartor Handover
The 1976 built PSV UT 705 Olympic Commander has now been adopted by another Norwegian
owner. Mainport Holdings Ltd have bought the vessel for a total sum of 3.7 million USD and will now
go under the name of Ocean Mainport, with Sartor Shipping handling the management. Future plans
are for it to work on the North Sea spot market until they find a term job for the vessel. As a reminder
Olympic’s newbuild PSV UT755 is due for delivery around the end of June this year. (Bron:
Seabreeze)
Velox In View
Norwegian owners Ostensjo christened their new escort tug Velox. The vessel was built in the
Astilleros shipyard in Spain and has now begun terminal work for Norsk Hydro in Bergen. A sister
vessel is currently being built in the same yard and is due for delivery in October of this year. (Bron:
Seabreeze)
Second Seven-One-Two-L
Further to last month’s article, Norwegian ship owners Farstad Supply AS have taken up the first of
two options for a UT712L design vessel from Aker Brevik. The anchor-handler should deliver in June
2006 and the contract is thought to be worth around NOK 250 million. The Aker yard in Romania will
build the hull and it will be outfitted in Norway. We expect to see the first vessel of the same design
delivering in April 2006 (Bron: Seabreeze)
Nor Offshore’s Newbuilds
Nor Offshore Pte Ltd have made an agreement with Jaya Holdings Ltd for the two DP II, 5500 BHP
anchor handlers currently being built at the Batam yard in Indonesia. Under the terms of the
agreement, NOR Offshore will take the vessels on a bareboat charter for fifteen and eighteen months
respectively, with the first due out of yard in May 2005 and the second in November 2005. Nor
Offshore have the option to extend the contract of the first vessel (named Nor Sea) to five years and
additionally have the option to purchase the first anchor handler and an obligation to acquire the
second newbuild during their charter periods. The Nor Sea has also been chartered by ARCO Marine
Contractors for a three month ROV fixture in the Sakhalin field, Russia. Nor Offshore is a joint venture
between DOF ASA, Solstad Offshore and Nortrans Pte Ltd. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Hungry Havila Seize Seacor
Havila Supply has purchased four PSVs and one AHTS from Seacor Marine in a deal worth USD 102
million. The hand over of the vessels will be in early March. The vessels purchased are the Smit-Lloyd
Fame PSV, UT706 Stirling Pegasus, VS483 Stirling Spey, VS483 Stirling Tay and the VS473 Stirling
Iona. Market rumours indicate one of the PSVs may work for Statoil carrying out pipehaul for a month
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
or so until the Havila newbuild MT6000 is ready. All others are expected to remain on the spot market.
(Bron: Seabreeze)
Old Name New Name
Alam’s Additions
Malayan based Alam Maritim have announced they will take delivery of six newbuild vessels – three
AHTSs and three other assorted vessels. The anchor handlers are the Setia Fajar (5150 BHP), Setia
Lestari (4750 BHP) and the Setia Nilam (5150 BHP) and they are expected to deliver between June
and September. Of the others, the Setia Inda is a utility/supply vessel and the Setia Kasturi is a supply
vessel with both expected to deliver in August. Finally the last vessel is an AHT called the Setia Mega
and is due for delivery in March. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Harvey Happy With Eastern Promise
US shipbuilders Eastern Shipbuilding have been awarded a contract by US based Harvey Gulf
International Marine for construction of a DP II dive support / well intervention vessel to be named the
Harvey Discovery. Vital statistics include a moon pool, 75 ton crane, ROV, accommodation for 50 as
well as capacity for deck cargo, liquid mud and dry bulk. The vessel has already been chartered by
Sonsub Inc for a three year period in the Gulf of Mexico. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Safe As Houses
The Team Atlantic AHTS Ocean Safe is rumoured to be in the process of being sold to West African
buyers. The 4,400 BHP vessel is currently undergoing classification work in drydock after completion
of work for Chevron Texaco in Nigeria. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Chuan Swan Song Is A Gem Of A Deal
Malaysian jeweler Habib Corp has acted as a takeover vehicle for the Scomi oil services group in a
US$ 342 million takeover deal of Singapore based Chuan Hup Holdings' maritime assets. Scomi will
now have access to the Chuan fleet (comprised of 155 specialist vessels) making Southeast Asia's
largest tug and barge operator Scomi, which are based in Kuala Lumpur, will provide funds for the
takeover by subscribing to an issue by Habib of 174 million new shares, priced at around 1.15
Malaysian dollars. This deal will mean Scomi will become Habib's major shareholder with a 29.6%
stake. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Pirates kidnap tugboat captain and Indon officer
IPOH: A tugboat captain and his Indonesian chief officer were abducted after the boat they were on,
together with six others, were attacked by pirates about 50 nautical miles west of Penang. An
Indonesian crewmember, identified as Yakobus Lambi, was shot in the left leg and has been admitted
to the Penang Hospital. He is reported to be in a stable condition. Lumut Naval Base public relations
officer Karimah Awi said the incident occurred at about 9pm. The tugboat, Highline 26, was towing a
coal-laden barge, High Line 22, from Bengkulu to Lumut. An Indonesian fishing boat, with four men
wearing black aboard, had approached the tug-boat, arimah said. The men jumped onto the tugboat
and attacked the crew. The bandits fired several shots, one of them hitting Yakobus' leg. Karimah
said the four men were believed to be Indonesians, judging from their dialect. "The captain of the
tugboat identified as Capt Wong Check Tung and the chief officer identified as only Munaji were taken
hostage. The four men also destroyed the goods in the tugboat and left the others on board," she said.
Karimah said information on the attack was received by the Lumut Maritime Enforcement
Coordination Centre. She said KD Perdana, which was carrying out its routine surveillance near Pulau
Perak, rushed to the scene immediately after its commander Lt-Comm Badrul Hisham Mohamed was
told about the incident. When KD Perdana arrived at the scene, the tugboat was floating aimlessly.
"The pirates also took the tugboat's documents and it is believed that they had done so to show that
tbducted," she said, adding that the two had yet to be located. (Bron: Kees Pronk)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 11
dd. 13 Maart 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Hythe improve US Army LT series tugs.
The United States Army – Combat Equipment Battalion at Hythe on Southampton Water is in the
process of carring out a unique reconstruction programme on a series of powerful twin screw tugs. All
six of the tugs concerned are just 10 years old but during their relatively short working lives have been
found to have significant deficiencies, particularly with regards to stability. Decribed as The US Army
Centre of Excellence for Watercraft Maintenance, the Hythe base is manned largely by civilian
engineering and shipyard staff and is accustomed to project work of this kind. Known as the 128ft
Large Tugs and indentified LT801 through LT806, all six vessels of the series were completed in 1994
by Trinity/Halter at Moss Point in the USA. Primarily intended to assist with berthing of large
transports, they are also equipped for deep sea towing and barge handling. Each tug is 39 mtrs in
length, with a beam of 11 mtrs and depth of 4.9 mtrs, powered by two 2.550 bhp main engines driving
open screws. In keeping with many such vessels built to a military specification they are well
equipped, have excellent communications facilities and a large crew of 24 persons. The main thrust of
the ‘LT 128ft Stabilitation modifications’ is to greatly improve the vessels’ stability and thus remove
many of the restrictions placed upon their operational capabilities. Those restrictions included stringent
conditions govering the sea states under which they can operate and on the use of fuel oil. Range was
limited considerably by the need to keep fuel on baord as ballast. Whilst undergoing essential
modifications to correct these deficiencies the opportunity has been taken to improv many other
aspects of the tug’s operational performance. The most obvious and significant modification has been
a reducion in the height of the superstructure by one deck, by removing the radio cabin from beneath
the wheelhouse. To accomplish that, the original wheelhouse and radio cabin have been completely
removed and discarded. A new much larger wheelhouse structure has been fabricated at hte base in
Alumiium Alloy. Windows for the vessels, a total of over 150 for all six tugs, are being supplied by
Houdini Marine Windows. Prior to putting the new wheelhouse in place a new pre-fitted out and
electronically screened radio cabin has been inserted into the excisting accomodation block. The top
portion of the radio cabin protrudes into the centre of the new wheelhouse, which now has new control
consoles forward and a considerale ‘walk-rond’ space at the sides and aft. Both exhaust uptakes have
been reduced considerably in height and a new mast structure has been added. Other measures
taken to improve stability include, a large reduction in the weight of fendering around the bow and
raised forecastle, fitting larger bilge keels and the conversion of void spaces into internal tanks. The
latter has increased the vessels range (free running at 12 knots) from 3.906 miles to 5.926 miles. Fuel
and ballst transfer equipment has also been significantly upgraded. As part of the same project, a
great deal of effort has been expended in reducing noise levels on board by improving insulation and
modernising the ventilation system and air ducting. Noise levels on the bridge have been reduced
from 70.1db to 60.2db. New consoles have been installed on the bridge wings for propulsion and
whinch controls. On the after deck, the existing towing winches have been retained but relatively minor
changes have been made to the fairleads and towing gear. Four of the LT128 series tugs were in the
Hythe yard when Maritime Journal paid the base a visit in December, all at different stages in the
reconstruction process. One vessel, LT803 Major General Anthony Wayne, has been the prototype
for all modifications, has succesfully run extensive trails ans is virtually ready for operational service. A
second tug LT805 Major General Winfield Scott has structural modifications well advanced, a third is
undergoing underwater maintenance and modifications and a fourth vessel is waiting for major
reconstruction to start. The remaining two tugs af the series will arrive from the USA in a few months
time. (Bron: Marine Journal)
Washburn & Doughty To Launch 16 th Z-Drive Tug Lynn Moran March 11
The pace of Boothbay region water traffic may be slow during winter but area boatyards are seeing
robust traffic. The East Boothbay shipyard of Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc. is buzzing with
activity with four tugboats currently under construction. The 27-year-old yard, specializing in the
construction of steel and aluminum vessels from 40' to 200', will launch its 16th Z-drive tug, the 92'
Lynn Moran on Friday, March 11, at its East Boothbay facility. On December 6, Washburn & Doughty
delivered the 92'x32' Z-Drive Tug Rainbow to the Providence Steamboat Company in Providence,
Rhode Island. The Rainbow is primarily engaged in vessel assist work on Narragansett Bay and
adjacent southeast New England waters. Since its founding in 1977, Washburn & Doughty Associates
Inc. has become one of New England's finest commercial boat-building facilities. Currently, the yard
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
employs more than 40 workers, making it one of the largest employers in the region. (Bron: Shipping
News)
On The Waterfront
Elizabeth M Raised, Missing Crewman Found in Engine Room The Mv. Elizabeth M was raised
Friday (March 6) from the waters below Montgomery Locks and Dam on the Ohio River and the
missing crewman, Rick Conklin, 40, of Crucible, Pa., was found. The Elizabeth M and her six barges
sank at the site January 9 after running into difficulty after having locked through. Four crewmen died,
including Conklin. River Salvage, Inc., raised the boat above the surface, beginning around 8:30 a.m.
and utilizing large cranes to lift the boat to the surface before pumping out the water. Conklin's body
was found in the engine room. On January 21 searches dived on the site and searched everywhere
but in the galley and the engine room. Those spaces were blocked by debris, divers said at the time.
On hand Friday, in addition to members of Conklin's family, was George "Toby" Zappone, master of
the ill-fated vessel. Salvage and recovery efforts have been overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the U.S. Coast Guard. My mid-afternoon on Friday the vessel was towed to C&C
Maintenance Co., where Beaver Falls firefighters worked for several hours to remove Conklin's body.
For the record, surviving crew are Zappone; Crucible; Jason Wilds, 26, Latrobe, Pa.; and John
Thomas, Powhatan Point, Ohio. Those who perished in the mishap include Conklin; Edward Crevda,
22, West Brownsville, Pa.; Tom Fisher, 24, Latrobe; and Scott Stewart, 26, Wheeling, W.Va. The
Elizabeth M is owned and operated by Campbell Transportation Co., Charleroi, Pa. Legal action is
pending as a result of the accident. The Coast Guard has completed a week-long hearing into the
mishap but has yet to issue a report. (Bron:Jan van der Doe)
O.S.L. News - Newbuilding
For its long term contract with Peterson Supplylink DOF has now ordered a MT6009 PSV with Fitjar
Mekaniske Verksted AS. The vessel will be delivered during the first half of 2006.
REM Offshore is to build a MT6000 MK II PSV at Kleven Maritime. The vessel with a building cost of
NOK 200 million will deliver in January 2006.
Island Offshore is to build a P101 multi role vessel at Ulstein Verft for delivery in March 2006. The
vessel will be fitted with helideck, 130 tonnes crane, DP 2 and will cost NOK 290,000,000 to build.
Farstad is to build two AHTS of the UT712L at a cost of NOK 250,000,000 each. The first vessel will
deliver mid 2006.
Swire Pacific have ordered two PSV’s of the UT755L design.
Second-Hand
Air Dive Support vessels Algosaibi 21 and 23 (Blt.1985 – 2450BHP) have been sold to Fugro and
Procyon on private terms.
PSV Toisa Panther (Blt.1984 – 3520 BHP) has been sold on private terms to Middle East Buyers
‘Amasco’ with delivery and name change to Ahmed VI already having taken place.
DSV CSO Marianos (Blt.1987 – 12060 BHP) has been sold to Mermaid Thailand on private terms
with delivery scheduled for August. The vessel is likely to relocate to the Far East.
PSV Olympic Commander (Blt.1976 – 4000 BHP) has been sold to a JV between Mainport Eire and
Sartor Shipping for a price in the region of NOK 25,000,000. The vessel has already been delivered
and renamed Ocean Mainport and will be managed by Sartor Shipping.
Seacor has also sold the PSV Seacor Freedom (Blt.1980 – 3600 BHP) and Seacor Fortitude
(Blt.1979 – 3600 BHP) to British Virgin Islands Buyers on private terms. The vessels will be taken out
of the offshore industry and will be converted to carrying rail cars.
AHTS Zuliana 1 (Blt.1973 – 6700BHP) has been sold to Deidre Maritime for a price in the region of
USD 350,000.
CLV Knight (Blt.2001 – 10,300 BHP) has been purchased by Rieber Shipping for a price in excess of
USD 33,000,000. The vessel is to be renamed Polar Queen.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
PSV Inverclyde (Blt. 1996 – 6600 BHP) has been sold to Rovde Shipping Norway on private terms
whilst the Inverforth (Blt.1996 – 6600 BHP) been to Havila Supply. The asking price was for each
vessel was £12,500,000.
AHTS Navigator (Blt.1975 – 7040BHP) which gas been laid up in South Africa for a number of years
has been sold to Marshall Islands Buyers on private terms.
AHTS Walvis 17 and 18 (Blt.1999 – 7954BHP) have been purchased in an enbloc deal by Hornbeck
Offshore. Whilst no price has been reported we believe it to be in the region of USD 25/27,000,000.
AHTS / standby Vessel Rem Supporter (Blt.1975 – 7040 BHP) has been sold to Thor Offshore
Services Faroe Islands on private terms.
Sartor Shipping has sold the standby vessel Ocean Safe (Blt.1973 – 5300BHP) to Greek buyers for a
price in the region of NOK 16,000,000.
Small survey / standby vessel Atlantic Defender has been sold to Indian Buyers at a price in the
region of USDS 1,800,000.
Single screw PSV Arethuse (Blt.1983 – 2469 BHP) has been sold on private terms to unnamed
Buyers for use outside the offshore industry. The original asking price was circa USD 2,000,000.
SmitWijs Singapore Reports
Even weer een verhaaltje over de voortgang van SWRot en SWSin (en Wolraad Woltemade). Zo'n
beetje 1400 mijl west van Dakar en ongeveer halverwege onze oversteek naar Angola-Cabinda.
Langs Cuba, Haiti en Puerto Rico hadden we zalig weer en het gemiddelde liep op naar een dikke 7,5
mijl. De laatste week vielen we echter onder de invloedsfeer van een front en is de wind minder
gunstig (noordoost tot oost 5) en beweegt het water wat meer. Het front en het hemelwater zijn
inmiddels weg getrokken, maar wind blijft. Kunnen momenteel krap aan 6 mijltjes er uit persen.
Er is sprake van dat we ergens ter hoogte van Abidjan zullen gaan bunkeren vanuit een naar ons
toekomend tankertje, maar dat hangt momenteel weer op losse schroeven. De onzekerheid of het op
de geplande dagen (24, 25 maart)kan is waarschijnlijk te groot, bovendien kunnen we het einde met
de huidige bunkervoorraad wel halen (ook de WW - een dag of vier achter ons). Definitief horen we
maandag of het wel of niet doorgaat. (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
Bordelon orders two at Bollinger
Bollinger Shipyards, Inc. and Bordelon Marine, Inc, both of Lockport La., have signed a contract for
two Mega Mini Supply Boats. Contract terms were not disclosed. In 2001 Bordelon Marine took
delivery of three of the highly successful Bollinger 145-foot mini supply boats, which expanded the
Bordelon fleet to six vessels. Today Bordelon has once again taken the opportunity to grow its fleet by
adding vessels that it views as the future for the production, support and standby requirements in the
U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The new vessels will be 163-feet long with a 36-feet beam and a depth of 11.5-
eet. Light draft is 5.4-feet and maximum draft is 9.7-feet. Liquid mud capacity is 51,660 gallons,
methanol capacity is 44,600 gallons and fuel oil capacity 57,200 gallons. Deck cargo capacity will be
391.2 metric tons, utilizing a deck that will measure 110-feet x 30-feet. The vessels are classed ABS
Load Line, DP, USCG Sub Chapter L, OSV. Production is underway at Bollinger's Lockport facility and
delivery of the first vessel is planned for October 2005, with the second vessel following 45 days later.
(Bron: Shipping News)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 12
dd. 20 Maart 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Tidewater Sells Six Vessels
3/14/05 4:35:11 PM Tidewater has entered into a Letter of Intent to sell up to six of its KMAR 404
class of Anchor Handling Towing Supply vessels. The sale price, if all six vessels are ultimately sold,
will amount to $202,000,000 and result in a reported financial gain of approximately $80,000,000. The
transaction, as structured, calls for multiple closings throughout 2005 on five of the vessels as they
end existing charters. The sixth vessel will be sold during 2005 if certain conditions are attained.
Culmination of the transaction is subject to the buyer's inspection of the vessels and its securing
adequate financing during the period ending April 1, 2005, and the parties entering into a definitive
agreement by April 15, 2005. "This opportunity, which was presented to Tidewater by an international
group, reflects the overall improved level of drilling and exploration activity in the North Sea. If the
transaction is successfully culminated, we will have monetized a portion of our prior investment in
large deepwater Anchor Handling Towing Supply Vessels at an attractive price. Moreover, with the
soon to be completed delivery of the second of our large Anchor Handling Towing Supply vessels from
our Chinese new construction project, and the projected delivery of the balance of three more vessels
scheduled during 2005, we will continue to own the necessary modern deepwater vessels to take
advantage of international business opportunities as they continue to develop," said Dean Taylor,
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Tidewater Inc. owns and operates nearly 570
vessels, the world's largest fleet of vessels serving the global offshore energy industry. (Bron:
Marinelink)
Tidewater six-pack to Norway
Start-up project Deep Sea Supply is bound for the bourse with six anchor-handling supply vessels
bought from New Orleans-based Tidewater. Oslo business daily Dagens Naeringsliv reports that
investment bankers ABG Sundal Collier and First Securities are at work drumming up equity
investment from hometown and UK investors. The ship purchase from the New York-listed offshore
giant is still subject to financing. TradeWinds reported yesterday that the six anchor-handlers had
been sold to unknown parties for $202m, booking a profit for Tidewater of some $80m. Deep Sea is
meant for a listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE). However, the specifics of financing are
apparently not quite nailed down. In a mix of bank debt, convertible bonds and equity, the equity target
is said to range between NOK 385m and NOK 735m ($120m). The convertible would add between
NOK 100m and NOK 350m, the newspaper writes. Last but not necessarily least, Netherland's Fortis
Bank is said to be offering a loan in the $100m order of magnitude. The ships involved, all built at
Norway's Kleven, currently operate off West Africa, Venezuela, Australia, Singapore and Brazil but
some will be put to work closer to home in the North Sea. They are set for inhouse commercial
management under Odd Brevik, technical management under a third party company, perhaps
Arendal's OSM Group. Brevik also has a small shareholding in the project. Project brokerage S&T
Energy and offshore veteran Brevik are said to have formed the Deep Sea Supply project nearly a
year ago. Other sources mention Norwegians Jon Skabo og Klaus Tollefsen as investors, along with
OSE chairman Harald Norvik. (Bron: Shipping News)
Stakes raised in Malacca Strait with first Japanese victims
Malacca Strait pirates are being hunted down in an unprecedented response after sparking diplomatic
and naval fury by kidnapping two Japanese and one Filipino from a Japanese-owned tug. The three
victims were taken by armed pirates who attacked the 43m long, 323 gross tonne tug Idaten on
Monday evening as it was towing a large construction accommodation barge in Malaysian waters near
Pangkor island, en route to Myanmar. Shots were fired by the pirates who encircled the tug and barge
in three fishing trawlers for more than an hour. None of the 14 tugboat crew, nor any of the more than
150 workers on board the barge was injured. The pirates are believed to be operating from the
Indonesian coast, with piracy experts suggesting they could be linked to the Free Aceh Movement
(GAM). The three kidnapped crew - assumed to have been taken for ransom - are 56-year-old captain
Nobuo Inoue, 50-year-old chief engineer Shunji Kuroda and an unidentified Filipino crewman. A
spokesman from the Japanese embassy told BT that the government of Prime Minister Junichiro
Koizumi has formally sought assistance from the three littoral states. 'We are asking the authorities of
the three countries to provide as much information and help as possible to ensure the safe return of
the kidnapped crew,' said Masashi Nakagome, counsellor at the embassy. As of yesterday the pirates
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
had not made contact with the owners or authorities, he said. The Idaten and barge were due to arrive
at Butterworth last night. BT understands that a Japan Coast Guard (JCG) team has been sent to
Penang to assist with investigations. Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed the
Republic had been formally requested by Japan to assist. 'Our port authority has immediately alerted
our Coast Guard and all ships within Singapore waters to the incident. As a littoral state, Singapore
will render whatever assistance we can,' the MFA said. 'This incident shows that all stakeholders need
to co-operate closely in order to tackle the piracy problem effectively.' Malaysia has sent five patrol
boats and a helicopter and Indonesia has sent five patrol boats and three warships to search for the
pirates and the kidnapped crew. This incident marks the first time nationals from countries outside the
region have been kidnapped and the first time a Japanese vessel has been attacked. The tug is
owned by Kondo Kaiji, of Kitakyushu, Japan. BT understands it was on charter to Nippon Steel which
has a construction contract for an offshore oil exploration company working in Myanmar. Advocates of
firmer anti-piracy action have expressed hope that Japanese involvement will help bring greater
pressure to bear on the littoral states, particularly Indonesia. The incident occurred barely two days
after a chemical tanker was hijacked, with two crew members kidnapped for ransom. They are still
missing. The sudden increase in attacks has ended speculation that the Dec 26 tsunami may have
also wiped out, or at least weakened the pirates. The regional manager of the IMB Piracy Reporting
Centre, Noel Choong, said the resurgence of attacks could be a result of the vacuum left by the
departure of multinational naval vessels aiding in the Aceh tsunami relief effort. That vacuum,
combined with the pirates' enforced absence from ransom-collecting and the possible need to rebuild
and re-arm is making them more brazen in their attacks. 'Regional governments have to look really
seriously at this situation,' Mr Choong said. 'If Indonesia does not take serious steps the situation will
continue to get worse.' Similarly, Singapore Shipping Association executive director Daniel Tan said
shipowners were frustrated by the lack of effective control over the piracy problem. 'The three
countries' co-ordinated patrols don't seem to be very effective; what the shipowners are looking for is
some kind of joint patrol,' he said. Eastern Navigation managing director Tan Ser Giam, whose tug the
Ena Sovereign, was attacked and two crew kidnapped for ransom last year at very nearly the same
place as the Idaten incident, warned that if piracy was not stopped, the strait's shipping trade would
suffer as shipowners became fearful of sending their vessels into troubled waters. (Bron: Shipping
News)
Smit Internationale N.V. behaalt opnieuw goed resultaat in 2004
• Goede resultaten Divisie Harbour Towage. • Divisie Terminals presteerde beneden verwachting. •
Gedurende 2004 hoog werkaanbod en derhalve een prima resultaat in de Divisie Salvage.•
Bevredigende bezetting in 2004 van de vloot van de Divisie Transport & Heavy Lift.
Resultaten 2004 • De netto winst stijgt van EUR 27,0 miljoen in 2003 naar EUR 27,5 miljoen in 2004.
• Het bedrijfsresultaat is gestegen van EUR 29,3 miljoen in 2003 naar EUR 33,0 miljoen in 2004. • In
het bedrijfsresultaat 2004 zijn begrepen bijzondere posten ten bedrage van negatief EUR 0,8 miljoen
(2003: negatief EUR 3,6 miljoen). • Het resultaat van de niet-geconsolideerde deelnemingen bedraagt
EUR 4,9 miljoen (2003: EUR 11,0 miljoen). • De rentelast is gedaald van EUR 6,1 miljoen in 2003
naar EUR 3,3 miljoen in 2004. • De belastingdruk is in 2004 gedaald naar ca. 24% ten opzichte van
31% in 2003. • De netto winst per aandeel, gecorrigeerd voor ingekochte aandelen, bedraagt EUR
3,61 ten opzichte van EUR 3,62 over 2003.
Dividend Voorgesteld wordt een dividend van EUR 2,00 in contanten per aandeel (2003: EUR 2,00),
betaalbaar per 24 mei 2005.
Strategie Na alle veranderingen en strategische aanpassingen van de afgelopen jaren is SMIT nu
gericht op groei. Verdere verbetering van de kwaliteit van de onderneming speelt hierbij een
belangrijke rol. Zowel de kwaliteit van de vloot als van de dienstverlening zal hieraan bijdragen. De
hoofdpunten van dit proces zijn gericht op: - Commerciële daadkracht; - Project management; - SHE-
Q beleid (Safety, Health, Environment & Quality). Dit proces zal gefaseerd verlopen. In 2004 werden
de eerste effecten reeds zichtbaar in het resultaat en op het gebied van vlootvernieuwing. Het proces
van vlootvernieuwing is in 2004 ingezet waarbij de vernieuwing is gebaseerd op de principes van
‘proven technology’ en standaardisatie. Hierdoor wordt de uitwisselbaarheid van schepen vergroot,
terwijl de kosten op termijn worden gereduceerd. Zoals eerder vermeld, vormen acquisities onderdeel
van de groeistrategie. De juiste combinatie van prijs en toegevoegde waarde zijn daarbij van primair
belang. (Bron: Smit Internationale)
Aker Yards to Build PSV
3/17/05 10:02:54 AM Aker Yards, via its wholly owned subsidiary, Aker Brevik, has entered into a contract
with Island Offshore VIII KS in Ulsteinvik, Norway, to deliver a UT 755LN platform supply vessel. The
value of the contract is approximately NOK 130 million. This is the fourteenth contract between the
shipowner, Island Offshore Group in Ulsteinvik and Aker Yards and the third for delivery in 2005
between Aker Brevik AS and the Island Offshore Group. The hull for the PSV will be built at Vyborg
Shipyard in Russia, and will arrive in Brevik in August this year. Delivery of the vessel is scheduled for
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
medio December 2005. The platform supply vessel for Island Offshore is designated newbuilding
number 41 at Brevik Construction AS. With this contract Brevik Construction has a backlog of orders
for 7 ships for delivery up to June 2006. (Bron: Marinelink)
Eerst nieuw rooster, dan nieuwe slepers
Smit wil vlootvernieuwing in Rotterdamse haven Sleep- en bergingsbedrijf Smit hoopt nog dit jaar
opdracht te kunnen geven voor een vernieuwing van de vloot havenslepers in de Rotterdamse haven.
Dat zal echter niet eerder gebeuren dan dat met werknemers en vakbonden overeenstemming is
bereikt over een nieuw werkrooster. De bemanningsleden van twaalf van de zestien havenslepers
verblijven nu steeds een week aan boord. Door verplichte rusttijden geeft dat inflexibiliteit.
Opvarenden van vier andere slepers werken in een twaalfuurdienst. Smit wil af van de weekdienst.
Ook wil het bedrijf in rustige tijden schepen aan de kant houden. Het voert daarover al enige tijd
overleg met werknemers, ondernemingsraad en vakbonden. De havensleepdienst in Rotterdam,
jarenlang één van de zorgenkindjes van Smit, is vorig jaar uit de rode cijfers geraakt. Smit-topman B.
Vree is tevreden over de verbetering in de thuishaven, maar stelt dat het einddoel nog niet is bereikt.
Een andere probleem van Smit in de Rotterdamse haven wordt gevormd door de vloot van drijvende
kranen. Deze bokken kenden in het afgelopen jaar een lage bezettingsgraad. Smit werkt aan een
oplossing voor dit probleem, maar bestuursvoorzitter Vree wil niet zeggen of verkoop van de bokken
aan de orde is. In een toelichting op de gisteren in Amsterdam gepresenteerde jaarcijfers heeft Vree
zich tevreden getoond over de in 2004 geboekte resultaten. De nettowinst was met 27,5 miljoen euro
zelfs een fractie hoger dan een jaar eerder terwijl 2003 als 'een jaar van opleving' was bestempeld.
Vorig jaar werden mindere resultaten geboekt in de divisie Terminals waar enkele contracten zijn
beëindigd, onder meer in het door een burgeroorlog getroffen Ivoorkust. Fors minder ging het met de
divisie Transport & Heavy Lift, dat in 2003 een topjaar kende. De havensleepdiensten in met name
Canada en Panama leverden flink geld op, net als enkele lucratieve bergingsoperaties.
Bestuursvoorzitter Vree heeft gisteren herhaald vooral de terminalactiviteiten en de
havensleepdiensten te willen laten groeien. In beide sectoren aast Smit op overnames en op
autonome groei. Kansen hiervoor ziet topman Vree vooral in Latijns-Amerika en in Azië. Op het
gebied van bergingen kent Smit de onvoorspelbaarheid van de markt en daarom richt het bedrijf zich
vooral op de complexe bergingsoperaties. (Bron: Shipping News)
De slepers Svitzer Marken en Svitzer Muiden gedoopt
Afgelopen vrijdag zijn de twee nieuwe sleepboten van Svitzer Wijsmuller gedoopt. Na de doop
plechtigheden en het vloeien van de campagne heeft de geestelijk verzorger van de Amsterdamse
haven Leon Rasser de twee boten ingezegend. Dit alles gebeurde aan de Felison Terminal in
IJmuiden. Het gezelschap ging daarna scheep in het party schip Prins van Oranje en voer naar het
westelijk havengebied in Amsterdam, onder begeleiding van de sleepboten Svitser Marken en
Svitzer Muiden, die op het Noordzeekanaal ook nog een demonstratie weggaven van hun kunnen. In
Amsterdam werd het kantoor voor de havensleepdienst feestelijk werd geopend door de
bestuursvoorzitter Jesper Lok uit Kopenhagen. Per 18 maart was de radiokamer reeds verplaatst naar
Amsterdam, zodat het operationele gebeuren van Svitzer Wijsmuller in het IJmond gebied vanuit
Amsterdam plaats vind. (Bron: Jack van der Valck)
DOF names Shell newbuilds
Seabrokers reports that names have now been given to the "Shell Shuffle" newbuild vessels that Shell
is chartering from DOF Offshore. The first is a MT6000 design named Skandi Barra, which will
replace the UT755 Skandi Yare in July this year. The second change out will be the MT6009 Skandi
Chieftain, which will replace the UT755L Skandi Waveney in October this year. "Shell are looking
forward to getting their hands on this pair of diesel electric supply vessels, as the MT design has
proved its worth with Shell and has delivered substantial fuel savings over conventional propulsion
tonnage," noted Seabrokers. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Olympic Commander confirmed sold
Olympic Shipping has confirmed that, on February 9th, the PSV Olympic Commander was sold to
the Norwegian shipping company Sartor Shipping AS. The vessel's new name is Ocean Mainport. The
vessel, built in 1976, was reportedly sold for US$3.7 million, and is expected to work in the North Sea
until a tem contract has been obtained. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (2)
Hier weer een stukje over de voortgang van SWRot en SWSin (en Wolraad Woltemade). Zitten
ongeveer 1000 mijl west van Abidjan. De laatste week wind langzamerhand aan het afnemen, nog wel
regelmatig een forse deining, maar dat zal over een dag of wat wel afgelopen zijn. Trekken er
momenteel een 7+ mijltjes uit. De Wolraad Woltemade nog steeds ongeveer vier dagen achter ons.
Er was een plan om ergens ter hoogte van Abidjan (de 26e) de SWRot en de H-851 even verlaten, om
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
twee man van de SWRot naar Abidjan te brengen, ook konden wij dan van de gelegenheid gebruik
maken om voor ons een aflossing te arrangeren, de staf en nog 2 man. Dit is echter van de baan, er
komt nu een crewboot naar ons toe vanuit Port Gentil om de twee man van de SW Rot af te plukken
en naar Abidjan te transporteren. Momenteel is dit op losse schroeven, vanwege de politieke
instabiliteit in Ivoorkust. Het bunkeren bij Abidjan is dan ook van de baan, wordt nu in het veld bij de
Thialf geregeld. Eventueel gaat dan de SWRot (of SWSin) nog op zoek naar de WW om de sleep over
te nemen, maar dat zal wel niet meer nodig zijn, want die is er dan bijna. Vervolgens ligt het in de
bedoeling dat de SWSin met de H-851 naar Vlissingen gaat vertrekken en de SWRot zou een reisje
krijgen van Port Gentil naar Singapore.De Wolraad staat voor dokken te Kaapstad op de 10e april.
(Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
Legal Battle Over Elizabeth M Incident Heats Up
While the Coast Guard may be reluctant to reveal thoughts related to the sinking of the Elizabeth M
and loss of four crewmen (the matter is still under investigation) lawyers representing various clients
have no such reluctance. We all know from past experience than even crewmen are advised by their
employers never to discuss accidents because those accidents may at some time involve lawsuits.
News representatives who contact companies involved in such incidents find themselves, just as often
as not, up against a brick wall because of the company lawyer’s advice. On Sunday, March 14,
ThePittsburghChannel.com reported that Dennis O’Bryan, an attorney for surviving crewman Jacob
Wilds, has produced pictures showing a 2-by-2-foot hole cut into the deck of the Elizabeth M. It is at
the stern right above the electronics for the steering gear. He told Channel 4 Action News that the hole
“would have allowed water to flood down on top of the steering mechanism, which” he says, “accounts
for the captain’s testimony that when he tried to escape from the situation, the boat wouldn’t move and
he didn’t know why.” (The implication, we think, is that the hole might have been cut in the deck to
investigate the loss of power the Elizabeth M experienced several weeks before its sinking.)
The pictures were taken for O’Bryan by a private surveyor. O’Bryan is handling Wild’s legal action
against Campbell Transportation Co., owner of the Elizabeth M. The surveyor is not the same as the
one(s) working for the Coast Guard. Readers will recall that we reported earlier how the Elizabeth M
had experienced a power failure, an incident that, to our knowledge, has never been explained and is
still under investigation by the Coast Guard. O’Bryan refers to that power failure, saying the failure is
fully documented. He is seeking a full report on that incident and wants to learn if the hole in the deck
is mentioned. Campbell’s attorney rejects O’Bryan’s theory about the hole and said he will have make
that assertion in litigation. The Coast Guard reportedly has not responded to O’Bryan’s request to
have the hearing on the January 9 sinking reopened. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Gauwdief levert casco veilig af
Rotterdam - Zeesleper Thomas de Gauwdief van de Sliedrechtse rederij Landfall Transport &
Towage heeft gisteren het casco voor het nieuwe Nederlandse containerschip Merwedestroom
afgeleverd. Het honderdveertig meter lange schip is gebouwd in Roemenië en door de sleper Thomas
de Gauwdief in 22 dagen naar Rotterdam gesleept. De Merwedestroom heeft een ladingcapaciteit van
achthonderd containers en is bestemd voor rederij Unifeeder, die het schip gaat inzetten voor
containervervoer van en naar Baltische en Noord-Duitse havens. De sleepboot Thomas de Gauwdief
blijft nu nog een week in thuishaven Sliedrecht, voordat eind volgende week in Roemenië een nieuw
casco wordt opgehaald. Landfall levert later dit jaar de bemanning die de nieuwe Wadden-catamaran
veerboot Vlieland van rederij Doeksen gaat ophalen bij de werf in de Filipijnse havenstad Palamban.
(Bron: Leo Kramer)
Afon Braint
De nieuwe sleepboot voor Holyhead Towing is de Afon Braint, oplevering volgende maand, en een
zusje is in opdracht gegeven met oplevering in de lente van volgend jaar. De oude Afon Braint (ex.
Knight Buster-02) is aan de Belgische aannemmer Besix verkocht. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 13
dd. 27 Maart 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
More Ramparts ASD Tugs on the Stocks Worldwide
Towards the end of 2004, Vancouver based navel architects and tug designers Robert Allan Ltd.
(RAL) were awarded a contract to design a new series of high performance ship-handling tugs for the
Chinese Port of Ningbo. The tugs will be constructed for the Ningbo Port Group Ltd. To a design
developed and adapted by R.A.L. from their Ramparts 3200 Class of ASD Tugs to meet the needs of
the port’s growing traffic in container ships and bulk carriers. This design contract is the first to be
awarded outside China by a Chinese Port Authority for tugboas or similar commercial vessels, and is
a major milstone for RAL. Working in collaboration with Zhenjiang Shipyard Ltd. Of Zhenjiang, Jiangsu
Province, the nominated shipbuilders for the new tugs, Robert Allan Ltd. Will provide a complete
Classification Society approval package as well as a complete 3-D Product Model for all steel
construction of the tugs. The shipyard will develop their own piping and electrical installation details.
Initially, two vessels will be constructed with delivery of the first vessel scheduled for the end of this
year. That number could increase if the project develops into an on-going fleet replacement program.
The Ramparts 3200 Class tugs to be built for Ningbo will be 32 m in length overall, with a beam of
11.6m and a maximum draft of 5 m. Niigata of Japan will supply the propulsion machinery, including a
pair of 6L28HX diesel main engines, each rated at 1,764kW at 750rpm (total 4794bhp), to drive
Niigata ZP-41 propulsion units. This arrangement will give the tugs a bollard pull of 60 tonnes and a
free running speed of 12.5 knots. The vessels accommodation will be fitted out for a crew of up to 12
persons. In contrast to the Chinese order RAL continue to develop a significant precence in Europe
and elsewhere. Prolific Spanish tug builders Union Naval Valencia, part of the Boluda towage group,
currently has a series of six compact Ramparts 2400 Class ASD tugs under construction. Three are
destined for local use and three for Mexico and all six will meet the requirements of Germanischer
Lloyd +100 A5 TUG + MC,AUT. The tugs are to be 23.8m in length overall, with a 11m beam and
maximum draft of 5.1m The tugs will be powered by two Caterpillars 3516B main engines running at
1600rev/min to generate a total of 4255bhp (2 x 1566kW) to power a pair of Schottel SRP1212 CP
fully azimuthing propulsion units. A bollard pull of 52 tonnes is anticipated while towing ahead and 50
tonnes astern, with a free running speed of 13 knots. A single drum Hatlapa hydraulic towing winch,
with a brake holding load of 137.5 tonnes, will be fitted to accommodate an 80mm diameter towline of
150m in length. Two Oelkes-Eichler quick release tow hooks will also provided each with e safe
working load of 65 tonnes. A fire fithing system, with one monitor is specified, supplied by a single
Kvaerner pump rated at 800m3/hr at 12 bar. Unlike most compact tugs, where small size and low
manning are a priority, these vessels will be fitted out to accomodate a crew of up to seven persons.
Te most recent Ramparts delivery is the Kaori, a 2400 series vessel built by President Marine in
Singapore for Compagnie Maritime Chambon and based at Noumea, on the Pacific Island of New
Caledonia. A vessel of similar dimensions to the Spanish tugs, Kaori is powered by two Caterpillar
3512B main engines, producing a total of 3542bhp, coupled to Schottel SRP 1010FP propulsion units
to achive a bollard pull of 40 tonnes (Bron: Maritime Journal)
Oil Barge Breaks Free, Hits Rocks Near Mouth of Columbia River
Mar. 21--A 345-foot oil barge broke free from a tug in the Columbia River and drifted onto rocks
Sunday near North Head Lighthouse on the Washington coast, the U.S. Coast Guard said. Foss
Maritime Co., which operates the tug Howard Olsen, said the cargo tanks of the barge were empty
and clean, but about 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel remained in a separate double-hulled tank. The barge
is owned by Sause Bros. Inc. Petty Officer Jeff Pollinger, a Coast Guard spokesman, said no fuel had
spilled from the barge Sunday, as far as was known. But he said high winds and surf were preventing
salvage crews from pulling the barge, the Millicoma, off the rocks. Gary Faber, a Foss vice president,
said the barge sustained extensive damage. Faber said an environmental cleanup company, National
Response Corp., had a team on the scene to contain any fuel that might spill. Coast Guard marine
pollution investigators, Washington Department of Ecology officials and a team from Foss Maritime
established a command post at Seaview, a beach community about a mile north of where the oceangoing
barge hit the rocks on Cape Disappointment.The Coast Guard said the 1,000-foot towline
connecting the Millicoma to the Olsen snapped in heavy weather about 8:30 p.m. Saturday between
Buoys 8 and 9 as it was being towed up the Columbia River channel to Portland. The barge drifted
across the bar into the Pacific and toward the north.The crew aboard the Olsen searched through the
night for the Millicoma, without success. At 8:30 a.m. Sunday, a helicopter from the Columbia River
Bar Pilots saw the barge from the air resting on its port side against rocks near the lighthouse on the
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
ocean side of Cape Disappointment, said Sam Sacco, a Foss spokesman. Sacco said the Olsen was
towing a second barge, the Sitka, behind the Millicoma on a separate cable, but it did not break free
and was safely towed to Portland. Sacco said the diesel on the barge was used to power an on-board
generator. He said he could not assess what environmental damage might occur if any should spill.
The Coast Guard was waiting for weather to improve before allowing a salvage operation to get under
way. "The one thing you don't want to do is put people in harm's way," Sacco said. (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
Houston Firm to Buy Fort Lauderdale's Seabulk
Mar. 17--Seacor Holdings Inc. of Houston is taking over Fort Lauderdale-based Seabulk International
Inc. in a deal worth more than a half-billion dollars in stock and cash, the two companies announced
late Wednesday. In effect, Seacor is buying control of the Fort Lauderdale company, formerly known
as Hvide Marine Inc., according to the terms of the transaction made public in a joint news release
Both firms work in providing support services to the offshore oil and gas sector, but also have divisions
offering other services. Seacor will issue 0.2694 of a share of common stock and $4 in cash for each
outstanding share of Seabulk common stock. The companies said this represents a 29 percent
premium over the closing share price of Seabulk on Wednesday. The equity value of the deal was
estimated at about $532 million, based on the closing price of Seacor shares Wednesday. Seacor is
also assuming about $471 million in net debt owed by Seabulk. The product of the merger "will be a
leader in worldwide offshore support services," domestic tankers, domestic helicopter services to the
offshore oil and gas industry, tugboat services and other areas, the joint statement said. The
companies could not be reached for comment, or would not comment, on the name of the surviving
firm or on whether jobs would be lost. Seabulk, with a fleet of 147 vessels, is a key player in the
offshore oil and gas support industry. It also has domestic seagoing tankers and a tugboat business.
The company had 2,502 employees worldwide as of Feb. 1, according to a filing with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. About 130 employees are based in South Florida. Seabulk last year
emerged from years of financial losses, but remained saddled with debt inherited in an earlier period
of expansion as Hvide Marine. Last year, Seabulk reported net income of $25.9 million on revenues of
$352.3 million. Seacor provides marine transportation services for the oil and gas industries. In
addition, it has emergency environmental response services, operates helicopters for offshore oil and
gas exploration work and operates river barges. Seabulk shares fell 24 cents to close Wednesday on
the Nasdaq at $16.95, while Seacor's shares rose 6 cents on the New York Stock Exchange to
$65.28. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Towboat Crew Helps Rescue 10 People
Towboat crew is being praised for heroism after rescuing 10 people from Matagorda Bay near Port
O’Connor, Texas. According to Coast Guard reports, 12 people were aboard an 18-foot boat when it
capsized in the bay March 12. The Coast Guard estimated that the winds were 15–20 mph. and the
seas were two feet at the time of the accident. They were apparently in the water for several hours
before the capsized boat was spotted by the crew of the mv. Miss Julie, which was towing one barge
in the north channel of the bay. The 800 hp. Miss Julie is owned by Hard’s Marine Service Ltd., Hull,
Texas. "I spotted a capsized boat coming southbound in Matagorda Bay," said Capt. Mike Allen, relief
captain on the Miss Julie, who was on watch at the time. He called in a report to the Coast Guard on
the boat, while a crew member scanned the water near the vessel with binoculars to see if any people
were in the water nearby. After searching for several minutes, they identified a group of four people
wearing orange vests in the water—and then a little further away, another group, and still further, a
third group. "I’m like, holy cow, we’ve got a lot of people in this water," he said…. (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
Fairplay ends venture talk
JOERG Mainzer, managing director of German specialist Fairplay Towage, has responded to a
Fairplay Daily News item published on 18 March in which it was suggested that the managers at
Dutch towage and heavy lift group Smit were considering further joint ventures with Fairplay. “Both
Smit and Fairplay intend to maintain their independent harbour towage services in Rotterdam,”
stressed Mainzer. At a press briefing last week Vree admitted that neither Smit nor Fairplay had been
particularly successful in Rotterdam. The two companies own equal shares in Antwerp harbour
towage operator URS. (Bron: Shipping News)
Veiligheid op zee: piraterij laait weer op
In de afgelopen weken zijn de piratenaanvallen in de Straat van Malakka toegenomen. Zo is
recentelijk een chemicaliëntanker gekaapt en is de bemanning korte tijd gegijzeld. Ook een zeesleper
overkwam hetzelfde lot en drie bemanningsleden werden meegenomen. Deze recente gebeurtenissen
bevestigen wederom dat het met de veiligheid op zee niet goed gesteld is. Piraterij vormt een serieuze
bedreiging voor de wereldeconomie en de veiligheid van bemanningen. De dagelijkse realiteit van
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
vele bemanningen die langs de Somalische kust varen, de Straat van Malakka door moeten of in de
buurt van Nigeria varen is dat zij gevaar lopen aangevallen te worden door piraten. Piraterij bestaat
nog steeds en zaait dood en verderf onder bemanningen. Zo is in november 2004 in de Straat van
Malakka een Nederlandse sleper aangevallen door een piratenboot. Na op 1 december 2004
Kamervragen te hebben gesteld heb ik in samenwerking met het TV programma Netwerk aandacht
gevraagd voor dit probleem. De uitzending vond plaats op 6 februari 2005. Het is te gek voor woorden
dat bemanningen eerst hun kogelvrije vesten aan moeten doen alvorens de Straat van Malacca in te
varen. Stelt u zich eens voor dat een KLM-piloot zijn kogelvrije vest aan moet doen alvorens richting
Amerika te vliegen! Ik pleit voor meer grijs op zee. Aanwezigheid van onze marine, in goed samenspel
met de landen rond de Straat van Malakka die het gebied in de gaten houden. In juli zal ik tijdens de
vergadering van het OVSE Assemblee in Washington aandacht vragen voor het piraterij probleem. In
september zal ik op uitnodiging over piraterij spreken tijdens het symposium Mare Forum in Rome. Op
mijn website heb ik informatie verzameld over dit onderwerp. Wekelijks brengt de International
Chamber of Commerce een 'piracy report' uit van de recente overvallen. Piraterij vormt niet alleen
voor bemanningen een gevaar. Recente risico-analyses laten zien dat er een relatie zou kunnen
bestaan tussen piraten en georganiseerde criminaliteit. In het verleden zijn complete schepen gekaapt
waarbij de bemanning letterlijk overboord is gegooid. Deze schepen zijn nooit teruggevonden. In de
praktijk worden deze overgeverfd en vervolgens ingezet voor criminele doeleinden. De schrijver van
het boek 'Terreur op zee', John Burnett, heeft in gesprekken benadrukt dat niet uit te sluiten is dat
terreurorganisaties banden onderhouden met piraten. Sommige schepen kunnen een aantrekkelijk
doelwit vormen voor deze organisaties, waarbij deze schepen mogelijk als drijvende bommen gaan
fungeren. Naar aanleiding van de Kamervragen heb ik van de Koninklijke Vereniging van Nederlandse
Reders (KVNR) een brandbrief ontvangen. De Vaste Kamercommissies Buitenlandse Zaken en
Verkeer & Waterstaat hebben op mijn verzoek de regering verzocht om een reactie op de brief van de
KNVR Tot nu toe ben ik een roepende in de woestijn. Ik heb na 25 jaar Rotterdamse haven een
kennisvoorsprong op mijn collega´s in de Kamer, maar ook zij zullen kennis moeten nemen van dit
probleem. Ik wil graag dat de betrokken maritieme sectoren mijn collega-Kamerleden komen vertellen
wat de ernst van de situatie is. Ik zal dan ook initiatief nemen om de maritieme sectoren (reders,
bemanningsverenigingen, etc.) uit te nodigen hun verhaal te komen vertellen in een zogenaamd
"rondetafel gesprek", een soort hoorzitting. Ik zou zeggen: 'full speed ahead'!. Ik houd u op de hoogte!
Kent u personen die in deze problematiek geïnteresseerd zijn, stuurt u deze mail dan door. En vertelt
u mij wat u ervan vindt! Met vriendelijke groeten, Ineke Dezentjé Hamming Tweede Kamerlid VVD
fractie 070-3182898 (Bron: Kees Pronk)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (3)
Hier weer wat over de voortgang van SWRot en SWSin (en Wolraad Woltemade). Zitten nu ongeveer
200 mijl zuid van Accra/Tema, Ghana.Vanmorgen is de 'patient' van de Rotterdam afgeplukt door de
Smit Artaban en zal vanmiddag wel bij Takoradi aankomen. Voor de genen die pas ingeschakeld zijn,
de 'patient' is geen bemanningslid, maar een 'meet-meneer' van Marin die voor Heerema aan boord
van de SWRot is (was) geplaatst en deze had wat problemen met zijn ogen. Nu nog een dag of 6 (1
april) en we zijn op de bestemming, nabij de Thialf, ongeveer 40 mijl uit de kust van Angola.
Het ligt in de bedoeling dat wij (SWSin) bij aankomst de H-851 gaan verlaten en op weg gaan naar de
Wolraad. Deze zit nog steeds een dag of vier achter ons. Van hem de H-541 overnemen en weer
terug naar de Thialf. Ook zullen wij dan de andere Marin meneer die nu nog op de WW zit aan boord
nemen, om dan hier het gedrag van bak en lading te meten. Denk dan de 5e april weer terug te zijn bij
de Thialf. Volgens de laatste berichten staan dan de aflossers klaar, komen de 4e s'avonds aan te
Point Noire. En zullen dan hopelijk zo spoedig mogelijk met een crewboot naar ons toe komen, de
terug vluchten zijn nog niet bekend. Uiteindelijk gaan dan de SWRot met de H-851 en de SWSin met
de H-541 op weg naar de Noorzee. Het weer was de laatste week tropies, dus af en toe buien, warm
en weinig wind. (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
Smit Curaçao te water
Op 18 maart is bij Damen Shipyard te Gorinchem yardnummer 511511 te water gelaten. Zij zal in de
vaart komen als de Smit Curaçao. Op 4 april vertrekt zij van de werf via Dordrecht naar de Europoort
om daar voor de werf diverse proeven uit te gaan voeren. Aan het eind van de middag zal ze in de 4 e
Petroleum haven afmeren om de volgende dag opnieuw diverse proeven te gaan uitvoeren. Hierna zal
zij afmeren bij Niehuis & van den Berg. De woensdag en de donderdag worden voorbereidingen
getroffen waarna zij zal vertrekken naar de Wilhelmina kade voor de opendagen, voor genodigden, op
vrijdag 8 april en op zaterdag 9 april. Samen met de nieuwe Adsteam Ferriby zullen deze boten,
ASD2810 en ASD2411, een demonstratie geven van hun kunnen. Voor de fotograven onder ons zijn
er dus diverse mogelijkheden om hun fotorolletjes weer vol te schieten met mooie plaatjes. (Bron:
Hans van der Ster)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Marine News Reports
Barton Tide, 696/82 – offshore tug/supply. By Twenty Grand Marine Services LLC, Vanuatu to Inter
Gulf Marine LLC – UAE (Dubai) and renamed Al Dalow
Boa Tor, (Birk – 00, Boa Tor – 98, PM 173 – 95), 408/94 – tug. By Boa Offshore A.S. Cayman Islands
to Towage & Marine Assistance UAB, Lithuania and renamed Tak-9
Bourbon Captain, (Havila Captain – 03, Boa Captain – 98, Salviceroy – 97, Smit-Lloyd 122 – 93)
1658/83 – offshore tug/supply. By Bourbon Ships AS, Norway (NIS) to Intra-Oil Services Berhad,
Belize and renamed Petra 2.
Bourbon Castle, (Havila Castle – 03, Boa Sword – 98, Far Sword – 97, Highland Light – 90, Wimpey
Seahunter – 88) 2024/82 – offshore tug/supply. By Bourbon Ships AS, Norway to Intra-Oil Services
Berhad, Belize and renamed Ios Castle.
Bourbon Champion, (Havila Champion – 03, Boa Champion – 98, Jaya 123 – 96, Smit-Lloyd 123 –
94) 1654/83 – offshore tug/supply. By Bourbon Ships AS, Norway (NIS) to Intra-Oil Services Berhad,
Belize and renamed Petra 1.
Bourbon Trader, (Havila Trader – 03, Boa Trader – 98, Strathfarrar – 96, Stad Troll – 88) 2478/79 –
offshore supply. By Bourbon Ships AS, Norway to Intra-Oil Services Berhad, Belize and renamed Ios
Jumbo.
Champion Z, (Sete 63 – 00, Petrola’s Ocean Master 24 – 99, Petrola’s Oceanmaster XXIV – 77,
Euroman – 76, Bremen – 72) 1273/67 – tug. By Dias Z Corp Ltd. Inc. To Rushmore Marine Ltd, both
Panama and renamed Champ
EMS Express, (Mack – 96) 327/96 – tug. By Eckstein Marine Services LLCC, USA to J Knight
(Paranam) Ltd. St.Vincent and the Grenadines and renamed Kenley.
Gabrielle, (Seabulk Gebrielle – 01,Ocean Pioneer – 97, Gray Rove – 95, Nuti – 81, Launched as
Fook Gee One) 430/81 – tug/supply. By Seabulk Gabrielle Inc. Tonga to Oyster Shipping LLC Iran
and renamed Fadak 150.
Marion C II (El Inspector – 94, Northern Light – 87) 762/76 – anchor handling tug/supply. By
International Telecom USA Inc. To America’s Best Inc. Both USA. Name unchanged.
Normand Skipper 1174/75 – offshore tug/supply. By Solstad Offshore ASA (UK) Ltd. To Nomis
Shipping Ltd. Both Isla of Man (British) and renamed Dea Supplier.
Petra 1 (Bourbon Champion – 04, Havila Champion – 03, Boa Champion – 98, Jaya 123 – 96, Smit-
Lloyd 123 – 94) 1654/83 – offshore tug/supply. Has been renamed Ios Champion by Intra-Oil
Services Berhad, Belize and transferred to Malaysia Registry.
Petra 2 (Bourbon Captain – 04, Havila Captain – 03, Boa Captain – 98, Salviceroy – 97, Smit-Lloyd
122 – 93) 1658/83 – offshore tug/supply. Has been renamed Ios Captain by Intra-Oil Services
Berhad, Belize and transferred to Malaysia Registry.
Smit Lumut (Smit-Lloyd 111 – 00) 1388/75 – offshore tug/supply. Has been renamed Jascon 22 by
Seacor Smit (Aquitaine) Ltd. Bahamas and transferred to St.Vincent and the Grenadines Registry.
W.J.Trotter 470/86 – tug. Has been renamed Redcliffe by Adstream Harbour Brisbane, Australia.
Waveney Citadel 2161/03 0ffshore tug/supply. By Waveney Shipping II Pic, to Gulf Offshore NS Ltd
both UK and renamed Highland Citadel.
Marine News Members Reports
Afon Braint (1999) – tug arrived at Milford as Milo on 29/1/2005
Danegarth 359/98 – tug reverted to the name Uran (Ita) prior to 26/7/2004
Don Giovanni 152/64 – tug was seen at Barcelona on 13/1/2005 as a yacht under the British flag
Martha 211/66 – tug was renamed Achilles (Tto) prior to 22/11/2004
Spica 414/01 – tug was renamed Altair (Ita) prior to 26/7/2004
Taurus 452/00 – tug was renamed Taur (Ita) prior to 26/7/2004
Marine News Demolitions
Agios Demetrios (Androcles – 95, Marseillais 3 – 77) 123/50 – tug. By Petroil Trans Naftiki Eteria,
Greece, to Turkish breakers and reported 12/2004.
Merlin (Flinders Tide – 98) 1075/81 – offshore tug/supply. By Cal Dive Offshore Ltd. (Cal Dive
International Inc), Bahamas to Indian breakers and beached Alang 26/12/2004
VB Balboa (Balboa – 03, Harry Russeau – 90) 219/67 – tug. By Panama Air Marine Safety & Supply
Inc. Panama to uspecified breakers and reported 12/2004
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 14
dd. 03 April 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
SEMCO Orders Two Tugs
3/29/05 6:42:43 AM Following up on the delivery of two 165 tons bollard pull towing/salvage tugs in early
2004, Semco Salvage & Marine Pte Ltd has taken a step in renewing and enhancing fleet capability.
The PSA Marine subsidiary has signed with Universal Shipbuilding Corp (USC) of Japan for two 150
tons towing/salvage tugs (with an option for a third). The contract was signed by V. Sivarajan,
Managing Director of PSA Marine, and Peter Lee, General Manager of Semco. Signing on behalf of
USC was Tokuro Takagi, Executive Officer, and Tetsuro Morita, Team Leader, Newbuilding and
Commercial Vessels. The two new tugs will be built at USC’s Keihin Shipyard, near Kawasaki. USC is
owned by Hitachi Zosen and NKK. The first of the two new tugs is expected to be delivered at the end
of 2006, with the second unit following three months later. As in the case of the tugs Salvanguard and
Salviscount, delivered in early 2004, the newbuildings will have 2,000 cbm tankage capacity for heavy
fuel, enabling the tugs to tow non-stop for over 6,000 nautical miles without refuelling. Peter Lee says:
“This is a key operational advantage over the competition. These tugs will also be fully equipped with
shark’s jaws, stern roller, bow and stern thrusters and salvage gear. The vessels will be manned by
experienced Semco towing and salvage crew.” He adds: “Semco will continue to provide high quality
towage services, especially in the field of FPSO towage. At this moment, three Semco tugs are towing
the FPSO Kizomba B from Ulsan, South Korea, to offshore Luanda, Angola. This is a repeat contract
from a major Korean yard and an oil major. The marine spread is also being escorted by a fourth
Semco tug and Semco’s AHTS Salvana will join the convoy for precise positioning of the FPSO off
Luanda. In common with the earlier Kizomba A FPSO assignment – which Semco towed and
positioned off Luanda last year –Kizomba B will also be positioned and the moorings secured on deck
by a Semco FPSO project team.” (Bron: Marinelink)
More orders from down-under
Adsteam Marine, with three Damen ASD Tugs 2411 on order for their UK operation, has ordered
another one for their Australian fleet. Adsteam’s first ASD Tug 2411, ‘Barunga’, was delivered in 2004
and has been very successful since. This newly ordered ASD tug is of the same type, but this time
equipped with a Fifi 1 firefighting installation and a pre-wetting system. The tug will have an impressive
bollard pull of 70 tons, and is scheduled for delivery in January 2006. A similar type of the same series
has been ordered by Mackenzie Tug Service from Esperance, Western Australia. This ASD2411 will
be equipped with 600 m3 fire fighting capacity, will have a 70 tonne bollard pull and will be delivered
mid next year. In Brisbane, Queensland, Damen successfully concluded a contract with INCO
Australia acting on behalf of Inco Goro from New Caledonia for the construction and delivery of two
tugs and a line handling boat. This success was the result of an international tender procedure and the
first tug is a Damen ASD Tug 2509 equipped with remotely controlled fire fighting monitors and a
bollard pull of 40 tonnes. This tug as well as the line handling boat, a Damen Mini Cat 803, will be built
and outfitted at the Damen shipyard in Gorinchem, Netherlands while the second tug, a conventional
Damen Stan Tug 1605, will be built at the Damen Shipyards Changde in China. Finally, Damen has
received a Letter of Intent from the biggest coal terminal in Australia for the construction of a Damen
ASD Tug 3111 with an option for a second one. In February, Damen delivered the first, ‘Pilbara
Neptune’, out of a series of three ASD Tugs 3111 to Hamersley Iron in Dampier, Western Australia.
This company is seriously considering extending the order by another one or two more tugs of the
same type. As a result of this Damen ‘fleet’ in Australia, Damen has decided to set up a Damen Parts
and Services Center in Australia. (Bron: Shipping News)
Elbe newsletter (1)
The Elbe now has her permanent berth alongside the quay of the outside harbour in Maassluis and
upon her arrival on February 12th 2005, she was heartily welcomed by the inhabitants of the town. In
spite of her damaged looks and rough weather circumstances (heavy showers and a south-western
wind force 9), both the ship and the crew received a warm welcome. In the town hall of Maassluis the
crew, volunteers, and other invited guests were welcomed by the mayor and his staff, and during this
gathering they once more looked back at the past year. However, most people particularly focused on
the year to come, as the new berth along the so well-known Govert van Wijnkade and the new
facilities for the volunteers are generating the feeling that the we are on the right track with the
restoration of the Elbe. Apart from the official transfer at the notary, in the town hall of Maassluis the
symbolic transfer of the ownership of the ship to the SMCR took place and was recorded on tape.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Henk Poot, the ship breaker, received 1 Euro in a frame from Hans Hoffman on behalf of the SMCR.
Henk Poot though, offered the framed Euro to Mr. Timmermans of the Nationaal Sleepvaartmuseum
(National Tugboat Museum). This also triggered a spontaneous auction of an aquarelle of the Elbe
which was made by the artist Mr. Hans Breeman, who had donated the painting to the SMCR, and this
resulted in a total amount of Euro 4200,-. D. Touw Expertise- en Ingenieursbureau B.V. and the
Havenmuseum (Harbourmuseum) split and each payed half of this amount, offering the painting too to
the Nationaal Sleepvaartmuseum. Mayor Karssen and harbour-alderman Groosman expressed their
appreciation for the initiative of their fellow-townsman Luuk Vroombout for recommending Maassluis
as the National Dutch Tugboat Harbour, and at the same time emphasized their confidence in the
outcome of the successful restoration of the Elbe, for which so many enthusiastic volunteers are
working very hard. On page 3 you will find a report of this memorable day. Move During the first few
weeks of the year, the relocation of the Elbe to Maassluis was the talk of the day. Engine parts and
containers with goods were transported free of charge by Nico Kind Internationaal Transport. After
months of working without proper washing facilities and a place to store their clothes, the
accommodation made available by the municipality of Maassluis is luxurious. Now, people can eat
their lunch in the canteen and the heating works. A big storeroom is fixed with racks and shelves from
MTS Europroducts. Pallets with revised parts are waiting to be built in. Engine room For weeks on end
technicians and engineers have studied the hydro-pneumatic clutches. Maintenance of these
couplings were necessary in the restoration process, but after being under water twice, is has become
an urgent necessity. After the main engines and the gear-casings had been conserved, and the
engine was more or less clean, work on the couplings could finally get started. During the lunch break,
the original drawings were reviewed daily and people brainstormed on how to remove the big
connecting pieces between the main engines and the gear casing. Once hoisted by a crane they
appeared to weigh around 4,5 tons. Nevertheless, this heavy duty job seems to have generated a
positive discovery, as after review the big brake casings appear to be able to run for another 10.000
working hours. The removal of the coupling also meant that below the engines it could be thoroughly
cleaned. A steam cleaner of the Storm company from Rhoon did the job. Although all parts in the
engine room are out of place, the condition of the engine room can be considered fairly good. After
removal of the inlet channels, who were “hydrosonicallly” cleaned by Wärtsilä, the engines could be
painted again. All in– and out-lets will be reworked, packing will be replaced and isolation be fitted
again. The engineers, technicians and volunteers have done a great job. In the meantime the
electricians of the Decam work on the ship on the cable work in various locations. Old cables are
removed and hundreds of metres of new cables are installed. Apart from the temporary lighting
installed by the volunteers, the new electricity supply is also falling into place. Steelwork Above deck it
is no less exiting. In December the preparations were made for removing all the superfluous steel
parts on the poop deck and shortly after New Year this significant project was realised. It was crowded
with people when the floating crane of van den Brink and the tugs of the Havenmuseum arrived in the
Wilhelminahaven. Piece by piece the steel parts of the former pilot accommodations were welded
loose and hoisted from the ship. Crew and volunteers were excited to see the Elbe get back her
original shape and lots of pictures and video-films were made. At the same time it was clear that the
restoration of the steel construction must be continued; the present view of the Elbe is not a very
pretty one. Therefore quotations for a new engine room top and bulwarks are requested The hydraulic
crane stays on deck as long as necessary and as soon as it was working again, unnecessary parts
were removed from the deck, thus creating working space on the poop deck. The generator from Smit,
which we have been using during 4 months for free, was also removed. After 45 years at sea, the
deck shows wear and tear in various places, and also here new steel is necessary. However, recent
studies have showed that after the necessary repairs, the Elbe is fit for another so many years at
sea… Interior In her lifetime over the years the vessel Elbe has experienced pleasant and unpleasant
surprises, but time and again she showed she is a tough old lady and she took care of a few pleasant
surprises herself when it appeared that when stripping the cabins the wood and paint-work were in
good condition in spite of the fact that the cabins have been flooded a couple of times. Even various
hard wooden constructions have survived the wet ordeal. The inside of the ship’s hull looks fine. In the
meantime all wooden parts in the cabins have been stripped of. Thank you After 6 months we said
goodbye to Arnold Warmerdam of D. Touw Expertise- en Ingenieursbureau B.V. who from the first
time sinking professionally coordinated the works on the Elbe and has contributed to the fact that we
are on the right course again. Thank you Arnold and success with your next project ! February 12th
2005 The day the Elbe sailed to Maassluis, the circumstances were not too great. Rain and wind force
9 are not ideal, but in sailors jargon this is “tugboat-weather”, so no problems were envisioned.
Although the Elbe and crew encountered this heavy weather, it was next to a normal job for both. This
occasion was reported in a special newspaper addition and notwithstanding the bad weather
conditions, hundreds of people came to the side of the river Waterweg to see the Elbe entering the
harbour and arriving in her home port. The Eerland 23 and the pusher-tug Lek of Smit, together with
the tugboat Mehari of Wesselius brought the Elbe home. She left Schiedam with at first a raucous, but
than a loud blow of the horn. All people involved were moved by seeing the Elbe being in her element
and numerous boats joined her when she came in the neighbourhood of Maasluis and accompanied
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
her into the harbour, among which the Nepos, with mayor Karssen and alderman Groosman on board,
as well as some representatives of the insurance company. The quay in Maassluis was decorated with
flags and the sister tugboats the Hudson and the Furie were towed to the outer harbour for this special
occasion. Sea cadets and appropriate music completed the picture. Water-scouts served soup and hot
chocolate, made available by the Stichting Promotie Maassluis (Association Promotion Maassluis).
Bakery Holtkamp distributed his famous cookies with the name Elbe on it. Entering the harbour of
Maassluis was kind of a moving experience. Many felt their skin crawl and rain in their eyes when with
load horn-blowing she was manoeuvred to her permanent berth along the quayside. The Elbe was
berthed and secured with mooring gear of the company Vlierodam. Moreover, the arrival of the Elbe
was the unofficial start of Maassluis becoming the national tugboat harbour. In the days after this
event lots of people came by to look at the Elbe, make pictures and get information from the
volunteers on the latest news and status of the repairs. The Govert van Wijnkade location is very easy
to visit and follow the progress of the restoration. In the period to come, the renovation works will be
focusing on the exterior of the Elbe. * * * You can react to this Newsletter at the e-mail address
ym@smcr.nl For further information on the Elbe project please contact Hans Hoffmann at Telephone
no. 0031-(0)6.53712528 info@smcr.nl/www.zeesleepbootelbe.nl (Free translation: Yvonne Maij)
Rigdon Takes Delivery of Seventh PSV
3/29/05 3:46:09 PM Rigdon Marine recently received the
M/V Conti, the seventh of ten GPA 640 platform supply
vessels being built at Bender Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
Mrs. Patti Guice, wife of Billy Guice, Vice President of
Marketing for Rigdon Marine, christened the vessel before it
dispatched for contract work in the Gulf of Mexico. “We are
extremely please that the M/V Conti was immediately
dispatched to support the worldwide offshore activities of a
prominent oil service company,” said Larry Rigdon. “This
recent deployment continues to reinforce the numerous
advantages of the GPA 640 PSV including increased fuel efficiency, superior station-keeping via our
ABS-classed DPS-2 system and increased liquid mud capacity in self-cleaning, cylindrical cargo
tanks.” Rigdon Marine is scheduled to take delivery of sister ships M/V St. Louis in April, 2005; M/V
Toulouse in June, 2005; and M/V Esplanade in August, 2005. (Bron: Marinelink)
Foreign gunmen kidnap three from Malaysian tugboat
Five foreign gunmen stormed a Malaysian tugboat and grabbed the skipper and two crew in a daylight
attack in the Sulawesi Sea near Pulau Mataking, off the east coast of Sabah.Armed with M16 and
AK47 rifles, the gunmen in a speedboat fired three shots before boarding the tugboat as it was
passing through the Alice Channel international shipping route about 11am yesterday. They forced the
skipper and two of the tugboat's six crewmen into their speedboat before fleeing towards southern
Philippines. The gunmen also took the radio communication set of tugboat Bonggaya 91, which was
towing the barge Bonggaya 90. However, the four remaining crew used a mobile phone to contact
their Sandakan-based owner Syarikat Pengangkutan Bonggaya and the police were notified at noon.
The company's director Vincent Chang said details of the attack and kidnapping were sketchy and he
was waiting for the crew to return to Sandakan port for a clearer picture of what happened. Chang said
all crew members were Indonesian nationals and the three kidnapped were Captain Resmaidi, 32,
Erickson Huta Gaol, 23, and Yamin Labusu, 26. “No ransom demand has been made and I don’t know
who has kidnapped them,” said Chang. He said the tugboat with the barge laden with acacia logs left
Sandakan for Makajang in East Kalimantan about 10 days ago and was on its return journey when the
gunmen attacked the crew near Pulau Mataking. In confirming the kidnapping, Sabah Deputy Police
Commissioner Senior Asst Comm I Mohd Bakri Zinin said it occurred in international waters close to
Pulau Mataking, about an hour’s boat ride from the east coast town of Semporna. SAC I Bakri, who
flew to Semporna yesterday afternoon, said patrol boats combed the sea over Alice Channel but there
were no signs of the gunmen or their speedboat. The latest attack comes nearly a year after Filipino
gunmen stormed the East Ocean tugboat off Taganak island and grabbed its Indonesian skipper J.E.
Walter Sampel, 53, and two Sarawakians Toh Chiu Tiong, 56, and Wong Siu Ung, 53, on April 11,
2004. A ransom of nearly RM1mil was demanded for their release but after a certain amount was paid,
the gunmen released another set of hostages taken at the Borneo Paradise Resort in Kunak seven
months earlier. The East Ocean hostages are believed to be dead as skeletal remains were found in
the jungles of Tawi Tawi island but until today no DNA confirmation has been made available. (Bron:
Shipping News)
Fairmount Sherpa launched
On March 22, 2005 the first in a series of four newbuilding 200 T Bp Long distance towing, salvage
and anchorhandling tugs, AHT Fairmount Sherpa was launched at the Niigata Shipyard, Japan. The
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
vessel is scheduled to be completed on May 18, just a few days prior to commencement of her
maiden voyage; the towage of fully laden semi-submersible barge Ocean Orc from Japan to El
Salvador. Fairmount’s second newbuilding, AHT Fairmount Summit is scheduled to be delivered by
Mid September of this year, which is about a month ahead of schedule, and will be followed by AHT
Fairmount Alpine in May 2006 and AHT Fairmount Glacier in September 2006. All vessels will join
the OneAllianz fleet upon their completion. (Bron: Shipping News)
Alam Maritime investing in new tonnage
Malayan based Alam Maritim has announced that it will take delivery of six newbuild vessels - three
AHTS and three other assorted vessels. The anchor handlers are the Setia Fajar (5,150bhp), Setia
Lestari (4,750bhp) and the Setia Nilam (5150bhp) and they are expected to deliver between June
and September, according to broker Seabrokers. Of the others, the Setia Inda is a utility/supply vessel
and the Setia Kasturi is a supply vessel with both expected to deliver in August. The last vessel is an
AHT, Setia Mega, and is due for delivery in March. (Bron: Shipping News)
Sleepvaartbedrijf ‘Ánimo’
Sleepvaartbedrijf Animo Vof uit Oudekerk a/d Ijssel kocht in Belgie de duwsleepboot Jos (60.02808)
van International Maritime Fluviale Transport NV uit Antwerpen en bracht deze als Ijsselstroom in de
vaart. Zij werd in 1940 gebouwd op de Teltow-werft in Berlijn als M189 voor de Monopol, ze was toen
uitgerust met tweemaal 180pk Deutz. In 1978 werd ze verkocht als Peter van J.Horsman in Ruisbroek
(B), die de beide Deutzen verving door tweemaal 180pk Scania. In 1979 voer ze als Johanna van
Meijers uit Luik. Vanaf februari 1988 was ze als Peter (23.18947) in de vaart bij Kleinstra & Zn uit
Maasbracht, die liet tweemaal 350pk GM inbouwen en verkocht haar in 1990 als Caroline aan
A.K.Joos uit Roermond. In 1991 werd ze opgelegd, maar later was ze nog als Rick in de vaart. Nog in
hetzelfde jaar werd ze door P.Joos uit Antwerpen aangekocht als Jos (BR31285B) die de boot
ombouwde tot duwsleepboot en de stuurhut liet aanpassen. Later werd ze zonder naamsverandering
eigendom van International Maritime Fluviale Transport onder nummer 60.02808 (Bron: Schuttevaer)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (4)
Hier het laatste over de voortgang van SWRot en SWSin (en Wolraad Woltemade). Zijn nu op de
bestemming. SWRot is er ook en de Wolraad komt de 4e/5e aan Het lag in de bedoeling dat wij
(SWSin) bij aankomst de H-851 zouden gaan verlaten en op weg gaan naar de Wolraad, dit is echter
allemaal grondig omgegooid. Afgelopen woensdagmorgen kregen we telefoon(tjes) van SmitWijs.
Het kwam er op neer dat de Thialf, die bij Port Gentil was, heeeeel erg veel haast had om terug te
komen in het veld. Of wij (de SWS dus) maar los wilden gaan van de H-851 om dan met gezwinde
spoed richting Thialf te gaan om deze dan samen met de Retriever terug te slepen naar het olieveld.
Aldus geschiedde, net na de middag los en op weg naar de Thialf. Tegen middernacht erbij en rond
middernacht weer slepend op weg richting Cabinda. Zijn hier vanmorgen aangekomen om 7 uur en
zijn momenteel standby cq manusje van alles bij de Thialf. SWRot krijgt op het ogenblik gasolie van
de Retriever. Wij zijn later aan de beurt. Het ligt in de bedoeling de 4e/5e af te gaan lossen met een
crewboot via Point Noire. (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
Coast Guard rescues tug boat crew after sinking
4/02 A search and rescue crew from Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor rescues four people from
the water after their tug sinks off of the Hammond water intake crib a quarter mile south of Calumet
harbor Thursday. The Station Calumet Harbor crew received a call at 12:35 p.m. from Holly Marine
that one of their tugs the Margaret Ann had sunk and that they had four people in the water. The
Coast Guard crew responded to the scene with one of their 25-foot small boats and had retrieved all
four people from the water. All four people were wearing life jackets and were only in the water for
approximately eight minutes. The rescued persons were transported back to the Coast Guard Station
where they received treatment for hypothermia by Coast Guard personal and local emergency medical
services. The tug was towing two barges that are still afloat. A Coast Guard small boat is at the site of
the sunken tug boat to help maintain a safety area around the site until a marker can be placed
identifying the wreak. The Coast Guard Marine Safety Office is responding to the scene to survey the
wreak and assess any environmental impact. The cause of the sinking is unknown at this time. (Bron:
Jan van der Doe)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 15
dd. 10 April 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Tidewater Vessel Sales Hits a Glitch
4/4/05 2:07:40 PM Tidewater Inc. said the prospective purchaser of up to six of its KMAR Anchor Handling
Vessels advised Tidewater at the close of business on April 1 that, although the purchaser intended to
continue its efforts to complete the transaction at the price and on the terms previously agreed, it had
not been successful in satisfying one of the closing conditions by an agreed date. Tidewater had
previously announced the proposed sale in mid-March. Given this development, Tidewater will
continue discussing a sale of the vessels with the purchaser on a non-exclusive basis, but will also
evaluate offers from other third parties, should any be made, and retains the unilateral right to accept
a proposal for the vessels that it deems in its sole discretion to be superior. (Bron: Marinelink)
It Could Have Been A Disaster, But Things Worked Out Fine
The Mv. Amber Brittany and its crew were cruising down the Ohio River at Louisville, Ky., early on the
evening of March 30 with an eight-barge tow when the situation turned almost ugly. One of two wires
snapped, allowing the barges to continue down the river at a strange angle. The towboat was unable
to control them. According to “The Courier Journal”, The tow was made up of five empties, believed
still to contain vapors from previous cargoes, and three barges that contained gasoline, toluene and
natural gas condensate. Somewhat before 6 p.m., two of the barges scraped the Big Four Bridge, an
abandoned railroad bridge upriver from the Clark Memorial Bridge. Just minutes later they scraped the
Clark Bridge and some of them got stuck there. (They missed the Kennedy Bridge in between.)
The Coast Guard shut down the Clark Bridge for 90 minutes, and customers at Joe’s Crab Shack left
for a short time. Two towboats assisted in removing the barges, which were taken to the Louisville-
Portland Canal, where they were inspected by the Coast Guard. (The bridge was reopened about 8
p.m.) (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Tugboat David C. Devall Sinks in Houston Ship Channel, One Crewman
Missing
Word has been passed to us by Dan Owen, frequent contributor to B&B, that he has received word of
the sinking during the afternoon of April 4 of the Mv. David C. Devall. The Devall capsized and sank in
the Houston Ship Channel in Galveston Bay. Two crew were rescued by the oysterboat Franco. One
man remains missing. The Devall was built in 1978 by Thrift Shipbuilding & Repair, Sulpher, La. She is
a twin-screw vessel measuring 58 by 22 feet and powered by Volvo TAMD-162C diesels providing
1,000 hp. The vessel is owned by Devall Towing & Boat Service, Inc., Hackberry, La. (Bron: Jan van
der Doe)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (1)
Sinds dinsdag aan boord van SmitWijs Singapore. Donderdag hebben wij Heerema barge H-541
overgenomen van Wolraad Woltemade. WW is nu op weg naar Kaapstad om te dokken. SmitWijs
Rotterdam is klaar om te vertrekken met H-851 richting Noordzee, maar moet wachten op bunkerboot
welke pas 10/4 AM verwacht wordt. Slechte visserij hier. Zitten hier precies in uitval van Congo rivier
en dat vinden zelfs de vissen niet om te pruimen. (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
Japanese owner admits tug crew ransom payment
THE Japanese owner of the tugboat Idetan from which three crew were kidnapped in the Malacca
Strait last month has admitted they did pay for their safe release. Kanji Kondo, president of Kondo
Kaiji in Kitakyushu told the Manichi Daily News said that the incident cost the firm about Yen50m
(US$461,000). This amount included Yen10m in travel costs, payment of the negotiator and
compensation for the contract being undertaken by the Idaten. The Japanese master, chief engineer,
and the Filipino chief officer were kidnapped on March 14 after 14 armed pirates attacked it northeast
of Pulau Berhala. They were released six days later off southern Thailand. Mr Kondo refused to call
the payment to the negotiator a ransom as the payment of kidnappers is illegal under Malaysian law.
Malaysian officials had earlier claimed that no ransom was paid. Ransom demands in these sort of
cases typically start around the US$100,000 level but are negotiated down to a quarter of that amount.
The payment of ransoms is often the only way that owners can guarantee they will see their crew alive
again, in cases where owners have not paid or spent too long negotiating the hostages have been
killed. “Pirates are rapidly getting better equipment. If no preventive measures are taken, they will start
to target large ships," Kondo said. While there have been no further kidnappings in the Malacca Strait
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
since the Idaten, which was the third such attack in two weeks there have attacks on tankers including
most recently an attempt to board a very large crude carrier. (Bron: Shipping News)
Search for man from sunken tug stops
The search for a man swept into the Bay when the tug he was working on sank at the entrance to the
Oakland Estuary was suspended Wednesday afternoon. Coast Guard officials said co-workers of the
missing man said he frequently did not wear a life jacket, and salvage teams found his life jacket in the
boat that was recovered earlier Wednesday. There had been a nonstop rescue mission all day
Wednesday, which began the night before, after another worker was rescued. But chances that the
missing worker would survive dwindled as U.S. Coast Guard officials estimated the chance for survival
in the 62 degree water was 36 hours. The man, whose identity was not released at the request of his
family, was working with crew mate Albert Apazaza on the Port of Oakland's 50-foot dredging project
when their tug sank, sending both into the frigid waters. Apazaza, who was wearing a life jacket, was
immediately rescued after the Tuesday night incident. He could not be reached for comment
Wednesday. Workers are required by law to wear life jackets, but the man's co-workers said he
frequently did not wear one, Coast Guard officials said. The Sunshine State, the tug on which both
men were working, is used in dredging operations to guide a barge through the water as it brings up
Bay mud. Coast Guard officials said the Sunshine State was in the process of lifting the barge's
anchors late Tuesday night when it began to take on water and sank. The accident forced a partial
closure of the port while the Coast Guard and the Alameda County Sheriff's Department sent divers to
search for the missing worker. It will also cause a costly delay in the port's efforts to dredge the
estuary, a much-needed job that will keep the port competitive. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is
running. (Bron: Shipping News)
Le Havre towage outsider re-appears
FORMER directors of French towage specialist Les Abeilles have applied for approval to operate in Le
Havre five years after an initial application was rejected. Their company, Société Nouvelle de
Remorquage du Havre, is planning to charter four of five tugs from Dutch operator Kotug to win
business when Le Havre’s new Port 2000 container complex opens early in 2006. The company will
compete head-to-head with Les Abeilles, which has had a monopoly on towage activity in the north
French port and intends to retain that status. A spokesman for Les Abeilles said the company had
taken note of SNRH’s intention to bid for the business but would make sure its tugs met all the
navigational and safety requirements as demanded by the port authority. Observers suggested this
alluded to SNRH’s plan to operate its tugs with crews of three compared with Les Abeilles’ four
seamen. Unions have warned they will not accept the arrival of a ‘low cost’ towage operator at the
port, endangering employment at Les Abeilles. (Bron: Shipping News)
Damen lijkt door te breken in Australië
De eerste Damen slepers voor de Australische markt hebben een reeks vervolgorders uit dit
werelddeel opgeleverd Zeer waarschijnlijk varen volgend jaar tien Damen-slepers in Australische
wateren. Om snel service te kunnen verlenen, gaat Damen ‘down under’ een onderdelen- en service
centrum opzetten. Vanaf januari 2004 vaart de Damen ASD Tug 2411 Barunga van Adsteam Marine
in de Australische haven Newcastle. Rederijdirecteur John Moller zegt tevreden te zijn over de nieuwe
sleper. Met een trekkracht van zeventig ton is zij ook de sterkste havensleper van Australie. Adsteam
Marine heeft een zusterschip besteld, dat ook wordt uitgerust met blusmiddelen. Zij wordt in januari
2006 opgeleverd. De Australische rederij had eerder al drie slepers van dit type besteld voor
activiteiten in Engeland. Van deze serie worden er twee onder toezicht van Damen op de Song
Camwerf in Vietnam gebouwd en de derde, net als de Barunga, op de Damen werf in Changde in
China (Adsteam Ferriby). Nog niet bekend is, waar het zojuist bestelde zusje van de Barunga wordt
gebouwd. Hamersley Iron uit Dampier in West-Australie werkt sinds februari met de Damen ASD Tug
3111 Pilbara Neptune, met een trekkracht van 67 ton. Hamersley heeft er nog twee besteld en
overweegt er nog een of twee aan toe te voegen. Nieuwe orders zijn verder ontvangen van McKenzie
Tug Service uit Esperance in West-Australie voor een Damen ASD Tug 2411 met een trekkracht van
zeventig ton. De sleper wordt uitgerust met blusmiddelen. Ze wordt medio 2006 opgeleverd. Verder
levert Damen voor INCO Australie uit Brisbane drie werkschepen. Dit zijn een Damen ASD Tug 2509
met een trekkracht van veertig ton, een conventionele Damen Stan Tug 1605 en een sleepvlet van het
type Damen Mini Cat 803. De ASD sleper en de sleepvlet worden op de werf in Gorinchem
afgebouwd, de standaard sleper loopt op de werf in Changde van stapel. Tot slot heeft Damen een
Intentieovereenkomst gesloten voor levering van een Damen ASD Tug 3111 met een optie voor een
tweede voor de inzet bij het grootste kolenoverslagbedrijf van Australie. Damen gaat in Australie een
eigen organisatie met reservedelen opzetten, liefst samen met een ervaren Australische partner.
Verder praat het bedrijf met de Song-Cam-werf in Vietnam, waar nu zes Damen-slepers en vier
Damen sleepvletten worden gebouwd, over een verregaande vorm van samenwerking (Bron:
Schuttevaer)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
MAJOR, EXCITING PROJECT FOR BOURBON OFFSHORE
Bourbon Offshore Norway is ordering an
ULSTEIN AX104 anchor handling vessel from Ulstein Verft, with an option for a second vessel.
Ulstein Verft AS has signed a contract with Bourbon Offshore Norway, a subsidiary of Groupe
Bourbon, concerning the construction of an ULSTEIN AX104 design anchor handling vessel. The
contract also contains an option for a second vessel. The ULSTEIN AX104 stands out from traditional
offshore vessels because of its inverted bow – the ULSTEIN X-BOW. “The bow design eliminates
slamming by the sea. The shape means the vessel can achieve higher speeds in all conditions, and
fuel economy is good,” reports Tore Ulstein, president of both Ulstein Design and Ulstein Verft. The
vessel will also be one of the first anchor handling vessel in the world with diesel electric propulsion.
“Increasing awareness of environmental factors is making diesel electric propulsion sought after,” he
emphasises, continuing: “The vessel is also an innovation in the area of safety. It is equipped with the
newly developed ‘Safe Anchor Handling System’ (SAHS) delivered by ODIM, which increases the
safety of anchor handling work,” says Ulstein. ODIM’s sales director, Lidvard Liaset, says the project
confirms the uniqueness of the maritime cluster in Sunnmøre on the West Coast of Norway. “A
VESSEL TO GO FOR” “We saw the sketches of the ULSTEIN AX104 and liked the shape of it,” says
the managing director of Bourbon Offshore Norway, Jostein Sætrenes. “The shape of the vessel stood
out from any other offshore vessel we had seen. This has now been developed further in a partnership
between the shipping company and the design company. Once the model tests also demonstrated
exceptionally good results, we decided that this was a vessel we wanted to go for,” he stresses.
Bourbon Offshore Norway has been a prime mover behind the development of the SAHS system.
”Creating safe places to work for our employees is very important to us in Bourbon Offshore Norway.
Safety first is more than just an empty phrase to us. The newly developed stern roller with its ancillary
system will eliminate hazardous work operations for those whose place of work is on deck. In addition
to this the new hull design will result in less vibration and noise onboard the vessel, and make it easier
for off duty crewmembers to get some rest. The third aspect is the diesel electric propulsion system
that reduces discharges into the natural environment, which is of benefit to us all. We believe that with
this vessel we can rightly claim to be part of revolutionising the anchor handling market. We also
expect our clients, the oil companies, to notice this vessel which so thoroughly takes on the challenge
of thinking safety. The queue of employers should be a long one,” says Sætrenes with a smile.
RECORD HIGH ORDERS ON HAND “We are pleased to note that Bourbon Offshore Norway is
choosing us as its partner for such an exciting and innovative project,” says Harald Møller, Ulstein
Verft’s sales manager. “If the option is exercised, the projects for Bourbon Offshore Norway will fill up
our order book until the end of 2006. The contract vessel will be delivered in May next year and the
option vessel in October. The hulls will be constructed at Maritim Ltd in Poland and the superstructure
at Ulstein Verft's yard in Vanylven, while the vessels will be fitted out at Ulstein Verft in Ulsteinvik.
Ulstein Verft’s orders on hand now amount to more than NOK 2.7 billion,” he says. During the course
of the last six months, Bourbon Offshore Norway has placed orders worth NOK 1.5 billion with Ulstein
Verft, all for Ulstein designs. ULSTEIN AX104 The ULSTEIN AX104 anchor handling vessel is 83.6
metres long and has a beam of 18.5 metres. It is equipped with a 400 ton winch, DP2 (dynamic
positioning) and has a minimum towing power of 180 tons. The vessel is fitted out for 35 people in one
and two man cabins. The vessel is equipped with a diesel electric propulsion system and can achieve
speeds of 17.5 knots. (Bron: Ulstein)
Seabreeze News March 2005:
Swan Sweeps Back
Farstad Shipping UT 745L PSV Far Swan returned to the market at the tail end of March. The 955m2
deck vessel has been on charter to Petro-Canada since mid July last year supporting the semi-
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
submersible Glomar Adriatic 4 (this rig has now passed over to work for BP at Farragon location in the
central North Sea). The Far Swan is currently uncommitted and is expected to trade the North Sea
spot market for the foreseeable future. We are sure that many UK and Norwegian Charterers will be
keen to see this big PSV winging her way back to the market.
Thebaud Is The Best
Canadian shipowners Secunda Marine were successful in gaining a term charter from Apache North
Sea Limited. The 1999 built DP 2 PSV Thebaud Sea went onhire in the last week of March for a firm
charter period until end April 2005 with nine weekly options thereafter. The vessel will carry out drill
support and cargo work, predominantly for their new jack up on Forties, the Galaxy 1.
Magnificent Seven For Sakhalin
Aker Maritime has chartered a veritable armada of vessels to support their construction project off
Sakhalin Island. It is understood that these ships will be required to tow two gravity based structures
from Vladivostok out to their Sakhalin location Three vessels yet to be nominated by Maersk, the
Pacific Richfield Marine owned AHTS Pacific Silver, a Swire B Class and the Swire AHTS Pacific
Frontier have been chartered for a two month period beginning in June this year. Aker Maritime also
took the decision to fix the Nor Offshore AHTS Nor Sea for ROV Support work.
Far Too Complicated For Us
April will see the end of an era as the Far Supporter completes its term charter with ASCO. The UT
750 PSV has been on charter to the logistics company since delivery from the Norwegian Fosen
Mekanisk Verft yard back in March 1996. During the nine year charter with ASCO the vessel has
supported numerous location’s for ASCO’s clients. In many ways the Supporter was ahead of her
time, delivering with a tank cleaning system, a stern gate system and a modified hull form differing
from the standard UT 745 design. However, the story does not end there for the Far Supporter – a
new adventure beckons with Norsk Hydro The Supporter will replace the VS 483 PSV Far Strider,
which was originally awarded the Norsk Hydro contract. The Strider will then return to the UK sector to
continue a term charter with TEAM Marine. The Far Supporter will remain with Norsk Hydro until at
least the 20th June 2005 with further month options available thereafter. The Far Supporter is the third
vessel that Farstad have had on to Norsk Hydro – the Far Supplier started it in October 2004, was
changed out by the Far Strider which has in turn been changed out for the Supporter. Some of you
may be puzzled at this stage and might be recalling that the Far Strider was on long term charter to
TEAM Marine, so how was she able to be used by Norsk Hydro? The answer lay in yet another swap
out…This time the Far Grimshader was used to cover for the Strider back in January this year. If you
are still with us, you might be wondering if the Far Grimshader will be available on the market (since
the Far Strider is replacing it). The answer is no; the Far Grimshader will be retained by TEAM for a
one year firm charter. So, for the benefit of the few readers who have stuck with us for this term
column, here is a quick summary: Far Supporter off from ASCO, on to Norsk Hydro. Far Strider off
from Norsk Hydro, on to TEAM. Far Grimshader off from TEAM, on to new charter with TEAM.
Statoil Far From Running On MT
This month saw the start of the MT design flotilla moving out to begin the Statoil pipe haul work on the
Orman Lange project. The MT 6000 PSV Skandi Rona (a Shell sublet) delivered on the 25th March
whilst the MT 6000 PSV Skandi Marstein (another Shell sublet) begins on the 3rd April. The MT 6000
PSV Olympic Princess and the MT 6016 PSV Olympic Orion also left in late March for this charter.
Havila will also deliver a newbuild MT 6000 PSV from the their own Havyard shipyard in April, which
will join the fleet, however Havila may need to front-run this vessel with one of their recent VS 483
PSV purchases (Havila Faith or Havila Favour). It is uncertain whether Statoil favoured the diesel
electric MT design because of their high degree of fuel efficiency or whether it was the dayrates
offered up or maybe it was a combination of the two factors?
Prince’s (Purple) Reign
Gulf Offshore’s 1978 built PSV North Prince should be back on the spot market at time of going to
press. The 579 m2 deck vessel was on term charter with Marathon before returning to Aberdeen
harbour for maintenance which lasted around a month. The North Prince and another Gulf UT 755, the
Highland Monarch Highland Monarch will later begin a 60-120 day charter in May this year. They will
carry out drill support work for BP Turkey.
No Halt For Stolt
Trico Supply have been awarded a term contract by Stolt Offshore this month. The ME202 PSV
Northern Genesis started work on the 24th March, supporting the LB 200 pipe-layer for 120 days firm
with 2 x 30 day options and 8 daily options.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
April Fuel For Guardsman
It is understood that Specialist Marine Services 4200 BHP PSV Guardsman has been fixed by
Western Geco for a term charter off the Brazilian coast. The period of this fuel supply fixture is around
two months starting around the end of March.
Bourbon Bring Back Borg
This month saw the return of the UT 722LX AHTS Bourbon Borgstein to the North Sea. The 220
tonnes bollard pull, 21,400 BHP anchor handler has been working for Kellogg, Brown & Root in Brazil
since September 2004 carrying out pre-installation work for 2 FPSOs. Since returning to the UK sector
it has already picked up spot charters with Kerr McGee and Marathon.
Roff Goes Off
The Tidewater NED 1144 AHTS J Hugh Roff Jr has now left the Southern Sector of the North Sea
spot market. The 2005 built 100 ton bollard pull vessel was chartered by Total Congo for a term
charter expected to last around a year.
Newbuildings, Conversions, Sale & Purchase by Seabreeze March 2005:
More For Island Offshore
Aker Yards have this month announced that its subsidiaryAker Brevik, has inked acontract with Island
Offshore VIII KS in Ulsteinvik, Norway for a UT 755LN supply vessel. The hull for this ship will be built
at Vyborg Shipyard in Russia, will arrive in Brevik in August and should be completed at the end of this
year. Island Offshore’s other UT 755LN newbuild Island Pride is due to deliver from Aker Brevik
around the first week of April and will thereafter begin its term charter with Total in the North Sea.
No Barrier To Carrier
Norwegian owners Rovde Shipping AS have bought the ex Harrisons Shipping VS 483 PSV
Inverclyde in a deal worth around £12.5 million. Rovde take delivery of the 1996 built ship at the start
of April and will both re-paint and re-name the vessel Ocean Carrier. The 900 square metre deck PSV
will also be re-flagged to Norway and will be ready to work again just before the start of May.
Adios Marianos
Paris based Technip has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between its
subsidiary Technip Offshore UK Limited and Mermaid Offshore Services Limited. This agreement is
for the sale of Technip’s diving support vessel Marianos with handover expected around August this
year (allowing Technip Offshore UL to finish its current commitments in the North Sea and Canadian
waters.) Once the vessel has changed hands it will be worked in South East Asia, in particular in the
Gulf of Thailand.
Powerful Pair Proceed For Pemex
Two Gulf Offshore newbuild 5916 BHP anchor handlers have delivered in the second half of this
month from the Keppel Singapore yard and are now on their way to a five year plus options term
charter with Pemex. The two vessels are called Colosso and Titan.
Supplier Thunders In For Thor
Shipowners P/F Thor have announced that they have bought the Canadian 1975 built AHTS / Standby
vessel Rem Supporter from Remoy Standby A/S. Furthermore the newly renamed Thor Supplier will
begin its first job for its new owners by supporting Western Geco’s North Sea seismic survey vessels
in a 6 month charter. P/F Thor is a shipping company located in Hosvik, a natural safe harbour close
to Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. We believe the new owners have located here in order to
capitalize on the upcoming exploration activity in the local area.
O’Malley Energes
The Chinese Yantai Raffles yard has delivered the VS 486 anchor handler for Tidewater named
William C. O’Malley, sister to the recently delivered and now fully functioning John P Laborde.. The
vessel pre-launch at Yantai will be finished off in a Singapore yard and is then committed for a term
period in West Africa, with market rumours indicating Exxon Mobil Angola may be the charterer. The
Richard M. Currence, another sister vessel, is expected to deliver from Yantai in early May and is
currently uncommitted.
6
(Sea)Cor Blimey Guv’nor
Seacor Holdings Inc. has signed a takeover deal with Seabulk International Inc. worth more than half a
billion dollars in stock and cash. The net result of this deal means that Seacor is buying control of
Seabulk (formerly known as Hvide Marine) which operate in the offshore supply boat, tanker and tug
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
sectors. This will form a company that “will be a leader in worldwide offshore support service”
according to a joint statement issued by both companies. It is unclear what the name of the new
company will be or if any jobs will be lost as a result of the deal.
Targe Shields The Thames
Targe Towing took delivery of their newbuild Fi-Fi 1 terminal tug called Stanford (pictured below on the
right with fellow Targe tug Cramond at Hound Point in the Firth of Forth) from the Damen Yard in
Rotterdam this month. The Stanford is a twin ASD Aquamaster tug and some of its details include a
bollard pull of around 70 tons, L.O.A. of 32 metres and 5,300 brake horse power. This is the first of
three sister tugs being built by Targe with the second, called Castle Point, having just delivered at the
end of March. The third tug is due around June and will be called Corringham. All of these vessels will
go on long term charter carrying out terminal duties in the Thames, London. This brings Targe’s total
number of tugs to twelve, including these three new vessels, with operations carried out mainly in the
United Kingdom and the Far East.
Olympic OK On Option
Norwegian owners Olympic Shipping have declared their second and final option for a UT 755LN
PSV. Olympic will take delivery of this vessel around September 2005. As a reminder, Olympic took
delivery of their UT 755L Olympic Provider over the summer last year. The first option that Olympic
took was on a UT 755LN (a newer model with a slightly modified hull and bulbous bow for greater fuel
efficiency) which is expected to deliver in July this year. Olympic are also currently building an MT
design PSV which is expected to deliver early 2006.
Havila Breach The Fortress
Harrison Shipping’s last remaining North Sea VS 483 PSV Inverforth has also been sold. The vessel
has been purchased by Havila and will be handed over in early April. The Inverforth will be renamed
Havila Fortress and will join the recently purchased PSVs, Havila Fame, Havila Faith and Havila
Favour. This will give Havila a dominant position in the North Sea PSV market – no other owner has
as many PSVs on this market segment at this time.
Bourbon Take Shot At New Gem Of A Design
Bourbon Offshore Norway AS has ordered a new 16,300 BHP AHTS design called an A102 from the
Ulstein yard. Delivery for this vessel is planned for July 2006, however Bourbon also have an option
for a second A102 for delivery in January 2007. Main particulars of this anchor handler include a
bollard pull of around 180 tons, a 400 ton winch and a L.O.A of 75.2 metres. This continues the strong
relationship between Bourbon and Ulstein, with the same yard having recently delivered the P105
PSV Bourbon Topaz and currently constructing another P105, the Bourbon Peridot.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 16
dd. 17 April 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Tow Breaks Up At Smithland Dam
One barge was temporarily trapped at dam gate five at Smithland Locks and Dam at Ohio River Mile
918.5 and a second barge presumed submerged, blocking the full function of gate 2 temporarily, after
the mv. Capt. Bill hit an approach wall and lost some of its barges early April 5 during its approach to
the lock. The towboat, owned by Western Rivers Boat Management Inc., Ash Flat, Ark., was towing 15
barges when it lost power in one engine as it approached the landside lock. The boat’s barges hit the
approach wall and broke loose. Two of the barges were drawn downstream and others drifted into
another motor vessel waiting to complete its upbound transit of the riverside lock (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
Smit completes latest phase of newbuilding bonanza
SMIT International has completed the latest phase of an extensive newbuilding programme. Fourteen
new tugs have been ordered over the past year and there will be further orders this year, to enhance
Smit Harbour Towage’s Rotterdam-based tug fleet. In February 2004, an order for four ASD 2810 tugs
was placed with Damen Shipbuilders, three of which were earmarked for service with Smit Panama.
The first, Smit Panama, was delivered in mid-2004, Smit Cristobal six months later and Smit Bilbao
last month. Smit Curacao, the fourth of the very compact 57 tonnes bollard pull tugs arrived in March.
Also delivered in December was the Smit Mandji a twin-screw Damen ST 3509, a tug/supply vessel of
57 tonnes bollard pull now working offshore Gabon. In January two Damen ASD 3110 class units were
ordered for service in Nigeria. An order was also placed in January with IHC Holland Delta for three
multipurpose pusher tugs with a 25 tonne bollard pull scheduled for delivery in early 2006. With a
length of 25.65m the tugs are based on a modular design, for maximum flexibility across a wide range
of roles, including support for marine construction, dredging, diving and oil spill response. Five further
tugs of this class may be ordered over the next five years. Keppel SingMarine have orders from Smit
for three anchor handling/tug/supply vessels, two of 70 tonnes bollard pull and one of 120 tonnes. The
first of the AHTSVs will be delivered in August of this year, followed by a sistership in November and
the third vessel at the end of January 2006. (Bron: Shipping News)
Shanghai Salvage orders deepsea tug from Wuchang
MAJOR Chinese towage and salvage firm the Shanghai Salvage Company has ordered a new
deepsea salvage tug with delivery scheduled for April 2006. The 90m long, 16,100bhp vessel is under
construction at the Wuchang Shipyard, in China. Once completed the tug will be managed by the
Hong Kong-based Shen Hua Shipping Co. This new vessel has been designed by SDARI, the
renowned Chinese Shanghai Design and Research Institute, and is intended primarily for ocean
towing. Construction will meet the requirements of the China Classification Society and carry the
notation, Ice class B2, CSA 5/5 Tug, CSM, AUTO-0, SCM,CMS. The twin-screw tug will measure
89.9m in length overall, with a breadth of 17.2m and maximum draft of 6.8m, powered by a complete
propulsion package from MAN B&W Diesel A/S of Denmark. Two MAN B&W 8S35MC, low-speed,
two-stroke, heavy fuel, main engines will each produce 8,050bhp (5,920kW) at 173rpm. Power will be
transmitted to a pair of VBS1080 controllable pitch propellers via Flender type GUG 1200 gearboxes.
An Alphatronic 2000 Propulsion Control System will be installed, with two control stations on the
bridge and one in the engine control room. The system includes interfaces to a power management
system and a Kongsberg Simrad JoyStick control co-ordinating the output from propellers, rudders
and transverse thrusters. This propulsion system will give the new tug a bollard pull of 188 tonnes and
a maximum speed of 16 knots. Wuchang Shipyard was founded in 1934 and subordinated to the
China State Shipbuilding Corp before the 1999 formation of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. It is
the largest modern shipbuilding enterprise in inland China. (Bron: Shipping News)
GE Shipping takes delivery of anchor handling tug supply vessel
Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd has taken delivery of a new built anchor handling tug supply
vessel (AHTSV), named `Malaviya Twenty One` from Bharati Shipyard Limited, India. The vessel has
a bollard pull capacity of 133 T and is capable of catering to the deepwater oil fields. The company`s
fleet strength now stands at 73 vessels - 42 ships and 31 offshore assets. With the addition of
`Malaviya Twenty One`, the company owns six vessels, which are capable to support the platforms in
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
deepwater oil fields. Shares of Great Eastern Shipping were last traded on BSE at Rs 160.50, down
1.83 per cent. (Bron:Shipping News)
Jacomina
Het bergingsvaartuig Jacomina is verkocht naar Spanje en vandaag 15/4/2005 overgedragen aan de
nieuwe eigenaar Tom Juin - Cartagena; De Jacomina zal woensdag 20 april vertrekken naar Spanje.
Waarschijnlijk is dit de laatste mogelijkheid om nog een leuk plaatje van deze oude dame te maken.
(Bron:Hans van der Ster)
Bever
Eindelijk worden de lang lopende geruchten nu toch werkelijkheid. De Bever gaat a.s. maandag 18
april naar de werf van Greevestein om daar haar Special Survey te completeren. Hier zal de Bever
dan toch worden omgedoopt in Smit Bever. (Bron:Hans van der Ster)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (2)
Liggen nog steeds te dobberen nabij Thialf. Er staat een niet te hoge maar te lange swell voor Thialf
om veilig te hijsen. Ziet er naar uit dat zondagmiddag hijsen weer kan beginnen. (Bron: Kapitein
Smitwijs Singapore)
Smit Curaçao
Afgelopen vrijdagmiddag, langzij de Admi, werd om 15.30 de Smit Curaçao gedoopt door Mevrouw D.
Comenencia-Wansing, echtgenote van de Gevolmachtigde Minister van de Nederlandse Antillen.
Onder grote belangstelling wenste zij de sleepboot een gelukkige en goede vaart. Ook de bemanning
werd hierbij een behouden vaart toegewenst, waarna zij het lint doorknipte en de champagnefles met
een enorme klap uiteen spatte tegen de beting. Hierna ging het gezelschap terug naar de Admi, waar
mevrouw Comenencia-Wansing een cadeau werd aangeboden door directievoorzitter van Smit, de Hr.
B.Vree. Tevens werd door de werf de kurk, verwerkt op een mooi stukje houtwerk, van de
champagnefles aangeboden. De werf verraste de Hr. B.Vree met een prachtig mooie model van de
Smit Curaçao. Duidelijk in zijn nopjes ontving Vree dit exemplaar en liet weten dat het een mooi
plaatsje zou krijgen in de ontvangst hal van het hoofdkantoor. Mevrouw D. Comenencia-Wansing
bood de kapitein de Hr. Blijksloot, een klok aan voor aan boord. De Smit Curaçao zal voorlopig in de
Europoort worden ingezet om dokkingen van andere eenheden op te kunnen vangen. (Bron:Hans van
der Ster)
Adsteam Ferriby
De Adsteam Ferriby is vorige week zondag in Immingham aangekomen.(Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Port Lairge II
O'Hanlon heeft de Port Lairge II (ex. Hart-96) naar Portugal verkocht. Wie de nieuwe eigenaar is, is
helaas nog niet bekend. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Chambon
Cie. Maritime Chambon heeft de Dogançay V hernoemt in Chambon Largade en de Sanmar XVII in
Chambon Biso. Beide schepen zijn actief te Sète. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Lamnalco
Lamnalco heeft drie sleepboten van Sanmar gekocht. De Dogançay VII, die is herdoopt in Lamnalco
Wagtail, en twee boten die nog in aanbouw zijn, één van het type Dogançay en één van het type
Eskort. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 17
dd. 08 Mei 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
AHTS "Eide Master" & "Eide Fighter"
18.04.05 - Eide Marine Services AS have bought two secondhand AHTS vessels. AHTS "Eide
Master" (Motorman – 05; Searcher – 02; Smit-Lloyd 119 (2) – 98; Bhiel Traveller - 91 ) 1181/1977 -
7360 bhp and AHTS "Eide Fighter" (Merchantman – 05; Achiever – 02; Smit-Lloyd 115 – 98) 1293/
1975 - 8000 bhp. This make Eide Marine Services capable doing overseas transports together with
our barge fleet. The vessels will operate both individual and in combination with barges world wide.
For further info please contact us. (Bron: Maarten Versluijs)
Tug Lake Superior returns to Duluth
4/19 The 1943 vintage 114-foot "LT." Army tug Lake Superior returned to Duluth Sunday morning,
towed in by Zenith's tug Seneca. After an attempt to sell the tug failed, the City of Duluth decided to
return the vessel to its berth behind the museum vessel William A. Irving. After a long slow trip, from
Howard's Pocket, through extremely thick fog, the pair arrived at the Minnesota Slip draw bridge
around 10 am. The excursion boat Vista Star backed out of the slip, to give the tugs more room to fit
through the tight squeeze. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (3)
SmitWijs Singapore is vandaag (22/4) met Heerema barge H-122 aangekomen op de rede van
Malabo op het eiland Bioco - (a.k.a. Macias Nguema Biyogo) - Equatoriaal Guinee. Hier is de Hermod,
gesleept door de President Hubert, gisteren ten anker gekomen om te prepareren voor een project
offshore Nigeria. Vandaag of morgen gaat H-122 langszij Hermod en kan SmitWijs Singapore los
weer terug naar locatie van Thialf offshore Cabinda, in afwachting van vertrek met H-541 naar
Vlissingen. H-541 vertrekt niet eerder richting Noordzee nadat de laatste lading gelost is van
ladingbakken/schepen welke onderdelen van jacket en topsides aangevoerd hebben. Dat zal rond
eind april/begin mei zijn. (Bron: Kapitein SmitWijs Singapore)
Bue renamed
BUE Jura is herdoopt in Viking Jura. BUE Mull is herdoopt in Viking Mull (Bron:Leon de Hoop)
Honce krijgt nieuwe naam
In Duinkerke heeft de Honce deze week haar nieuw naam gekregen: ze is herdoopt in Temeraire.
Haar schoorsteennummer is 52 en zal begin mei aan het werk gaan. (Bron:Lawrence Amboldt)
Nieuwbouw Moen van naam voorzien
Bouwnummers 58 en 59 van de Moen Slip A/S, Kolvereid voor Bukser og Bjergning gaan resp.
Barents en Banak heten. (Bron:Leon de Hoop)
Tewater bij Union Naval
Bij de werf Union Naval te Valencia is voor februari 2005 de sleepboot V.B.Sonora voor Boluda
tewatergelaten. Bouwnummer 380. (Bron:Jaap Bijl)
Tewater bij Balenciaga
Bij de werf Balenciaga te Zumaya is voor februari 2005 de sleepboot Romulo voor Remolcadores P.
tewatergelaten. Bouwnummer 392. (Bron:Jaap Bijl)
Gedoopt
De Abeille Bourbon is op 13 april door mevrouw Chirac te Brest gedoopt en heeft op 16 april het
bergingsstation van de Abeille Flandre overgenomen. De Abeille Flandre zal na haar dokbeurt haar
nieuwe station te Toulon betrekken. De levering van de Abeille Liberte heeft vertragingen opgelopen
en zal nu vermoedelijk eerst in september de Abeille Languedoc te Cherbourg vervangen.
(Bron:Lawrence Amboldt)
Verkocht
De Karin S in 2005 verkocht aan Williams Shipping Ltd., Southampton zij heet nu Willpower
(Bron:Leon de Hoop)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Washington State Honors Tug-and-Barge Company
Posted 4/27/05 at 10:31:AM Island Tug and Barge Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C., received an award from the
Washington Department of Ecology for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship.
The Exceptional Compliance Program (Ecopro) Award will be presented to Island Tug and Barge at
10:30 a.m. at the Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center on Pier 66, 2205 Alaska Way, in Seattle. The
award ceremony will be followed by a short reception, during which reporters may interview Ecology
officials and company representatives. Tank-barge companies receive the Ecopro Award only if they
meet or exceed all 26 of Ecology's marine-safety standards for tank barges. Island Tug and Barge is
the fifth company to earn the award since the program began in 1999. This is the first tug-and-barge
company to receive the award. "Island Tug and Barge has demonstrated its commitment to the
environment by voluntarily meeting our state's tough marine-safety standards," said Ecology Director
Jay Manning. "Our company roots go back 50 years, and that doesn't happen if you are not committed
to safety and the environment," said Robert Shields, president of Island Tug and Barge. "We handle a
great deal of the marine petroleum transportation requirements for Western Canada, and that work
requires a very high level of management oversight and crew training." Shields noted that his
company has served industry and communities along the Pacific Coast for many years and that
Washington's performance standards offer great guidance for the maritime industry. "Our goal is one
of operational excellence and enthusiastic achievement," said Shields. "Incorporating the Ecopro
standards aligns very nicely with our vision and provides excellent direction toward achieving our
goals." Recent maritime casualties around the world have exacted a heavy toll on the environment,
validating the need for constant improvement to international maritime regulations, training,
communication and procedures, said Manning. Ecology's spill-prevention standards are considered by
many to be among the toughest in the world. The standards cover elements such as management
practices, maintenance and inspection programs, emergency preparedness, vessel-position tracking,
voyage planning, security issues, English-language proficiency, and alcohol and drug testing. Manning
said the Ecopro Award is for companies that go beyond basic compliance with Washington's marinesafety
standards and is not limited to just one award recipient in a given time period. "The Ecopro
program helps reduce the risk of oil spills, and we encourage all companies transiting our state's
waters to step forward and participate," Manning said. (Bron:Leo Kramer)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (4)
De mannen aan de reling van het SSCV Hermod van HMC uit Leiden zijn er van onder de indruk. Ze
laten het werk het werk als de SmitWijs Singapore langszij de Hermod komt, nadat de sleep H-122
aan de achterkant van de Hermod afgemeerd is. Voor de landrotten onder U, SSCV = Semi
Submersible Crane Vessel. HMC = Heerema Marine Contractors. SmitWijs Singapore is momenteel
onder contract van Heerema in de regio West Afrika, waar Heerema twee offshore installatieprojecten
onderhanden heeft ten behoeve van de oliewinning op zee. 2 April is SmitWijs Singapore samen met
SmitWijs Rotterdam aangekomen op locatie van het andere Heerema SSCV Thialf, offshore Cabinda
(Angola), met een beladen zware ladingbak van Heerema (H-851) uit Corpus Christi U.S of A. Nadat
het jacket van de H-851 gekieperd was is de SmitWijs Rotterdam met H-851 vertrokken naar
Vlissingen. SmitWijs Singapore is gebleven en verricht diverse hand- en spandiensten ten behoeve
van de kraanschepen Thialf en Hermod. Van offshore Cabinda zijn we 16/4 naar Port Gentil (Gabon)
vertrokken, daar een sleepje (H-122) opgepikt en dit naar Malabo Roads (Equatoriaal Guinee)
gebracht, waar de Hermod zich voorbereidde op zijn project, offshore Nigeria.
Een aantal dagen stand by de Hermod gelegen en op 28/4 weer met de H-122 vertrokken naar Pointe
Noire (Congo). Daar komen we 2/5 aan en brengen daar H-122 ten anker. Vandaar gaan we weer
terug naar offshore Cabinda en melden ons weer bij Thialf. HMC installeert met behulp van SSCV
Thialf op ongeveer 400 m waterdiepte een stalen toren (jacket) op de zeebodem. Op de toren wordt
ongeveer 25.000 ton gewicht aan boor-, productie- en woonmodules geplaatst in een aantal zware
hijsoperaties. De zwaarste stukken die in een keer geplaatst worden wegen 10.500 ton. Na het
volbrengen van de diverse zware hijsen door Thialf, wat sterk weersafhankelijk is, gaat SmitWijs
Singapore met weer een andere Heerema bak (H-541) op sjouw naar Vlissingen. Een sleepreis van
ongeveer 3 weken. Vertrek moeilijk te voorspellen, kan nog wel 1 of 2 weken duren. 28 april, Zijn
gisteren vertrokken van Malabo naar Pointe Noire. ETA 2/5 AM. Krijgen waarschijnlijk dek vol met
containers voor Thialf uit Pointe Noire. Nu snap ik ook waarom ze ons gisteren Smit Lloyd Singapore
noemden. (Bron: Kapitein SmitWijs Singapore)
Aturri
De Aturri (ex. Brave-97) werkt nu te Nantes. (Bron:Lawrence Amboldt)
Tug Company Honored
4/29/05 11:01:33 AM Island Tug and Barge Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C., received an award from the
Washington Department of Ecology for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship.
The Exceptional Compliance Program (Ecopro) Award was presented at the Odyssey Maritime
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Discovery Center on Pier 66, 2205 Alaska Way, in Seattle. Tank-barge companies receive the Ecopro
Award only if they meet or exceed all 26 of Ecology's marine-safety standards for tank barges. Island
Tug and Barge is the fifth company to earn the award since the program began in 1999. This is the
first tug-and-barge company to receive the award. "Island Tug and Barge has demonstrated its
commitment to the environment by voluntarily meeting our state's tough marine-safety standards," said
Ecology Director Jay Manning. "Our company roots go back 50 years, and that doesn't happen if you
are not committed to safety and the environment," said Robert Shields, president of Island Tug and
Barge. "We handle a great deal of the marine petroleum transportation requirements for Western
Canada, and that work requires a very high level of management oversight and crew training."
(Bron:Marinelink)
Unmanned Towboat Goes Over Lock On Allegheny River
The PittsburghChannel.com reported on May 2 (today) that a small, unmanned towboat “went over a
lock early Monday on the Allegheny River near Tarentum, Pa. Authorities say they don’t know who
owns the boat, which went over the lock about 12:30 a.m. (Bron:Jan van der Doe)
Towboats, Barges Headed For Argentina
“The Waterways Journal” reported today (May 2) that last week 30 barges and two towboats were
loaded onto a seagoing barge (at the Francis Road Container Terminal in the Industrial Canal in New
Orleans) for delivery to Argentina. The shipment is the second to the three-year old Fluviomar
International, S.A. of for Buenos Aries for use on the Parana/Paraguay River System, said project
manager Bill Kinzeler II. The firm already has taken delivery of 27 hopper barges and two towboats.
Kinzeler’s firm is Running Rivers LLC of Louisville, Ky., which located the barges and made
preparation for the shipping.One of the boats was the 4,800 line boat Penny Eckstein, formerly of
Marquette Transportation. The other was the 800 hp. Miss Michelle from Moveable Towing, Larose,
La. Of the 30 barges, 28 were hopper barges (1979-81 vintage mostly from Ingram Barge Company
and Heartland Transportation) that will be used to move grain and fertilizer. Two tank barges, were
obtained from Kirby Inland Marine, are scheduled to carry diesel and soybean oil. The vessels were
loaded aboard the 454 by 100-foot semi-submersible Boabarge 16 from Seaspan of Vancouver, B.C.,
and towed by Atlantic Towing’s 7,200 hp. tug Atlantic Hickory. The trip is expected to take 38 days.
(Bron:Jan van der Doe)
Tug/Barge Hits Reef In Hudson, Spills Unknown Quantity of Gasoline
MidHudsonNews.com reports that on April 28 a tug/barge struck a reef in the Hudson River at
Diamond Point off New Hamburg, rupturing two compartments and spilling an unknown quantity of
gasoline. The barge, B-35, was in tow of the Bruce A. McAllister of McAllister Towing. The
destination was the Port of Albany, N.Y. The barge was owned by Buchard Company. The crew,
MidHudsonNews reported, was able to stop the spill, while high winds helped to speed up
evaporation. Another barge was sent to the site to offload the gasoline. (Bron:Jan van der Doe)
Crane Collapses On Three Barges, Kills One Man, Injures Another
The Associated Press reported on April 26 that a barge-mounted crane that was preparing to drive a
concrete piling into the water off a bridge linking suburban Fort Myers, Fla., and Sanibel Island,
collapsed across three barges, killing one construction worker and injuring another. The three barges
were holding two other cranes. Killed was Kent A. Crappell, 54, Morgan City, La. John T. Collins, 57,
of Carabelle, was injured. Collins was standing on a barge when he was hurt. He was admitted at a
local hospital in good condition. Both men worked for Boh Bros. Construction Co. John Izzie, 67, a
towboat captain watching from a nearby boat launch, said it appeared that the crane operator was
having difficulty lining up the piling in San Carlos Bay. Witnesses said the ground crew was attempting
to attach a 100-foot piling to a 60-foot section that had already been driven when the piling cracked
and broke. The crane was able to hold the broken piling temporarily but it cracked and broke again.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office released a report saying that Crappell swung the crane away from
where a ground crew was working. Crappell was being hailed as a hero. The Occupational Safety &
Health Administration is investigating the incident. A report is expected in about six months. (Bron:Jan
van der Doe)
Batam – Indonesie
In Batam zijn de afgelopen twee weken de Giant 3 en de Giant 2 behandeld. De Giant 3, die uit een
contract kwam van McDermott en afgemeerd lag bij PT World Wide Equipment South East Asia
(ex.Ballast Nedam) onderging hier haar jaarlijkse, door Lloyds uitgevoerd, hull survey. Aansluitend
werd de ponton gereed gemaakt voor het laden van aannemingsmateriaal van “van Oord”. Op het dek
werden cribbingen en aanvarings/positionings palen geplaatst. De ponton werd in de rivier afgezonken
en een 11 tal drijvende units werden boven het dek gevaren. Hierna werden de tanken van de Giant 3
weer leeggeblazen, waarna al het materiaal op het dek was geplaatst om te worden gezeevast. Op 1
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
mei vertrok de Giant 3 richting Sakhalin, alwaar dit materiaal zal worden gelost. Een reis van
ongeveer 3 weken. De Giant 3 wordt gesleept door de “Smit Luzon” (Smit-Lloyd 117) (kapitein Jan
Sietsma). De Giant 3, zal na te zijn gelost, vertrekken naar Japan om te worden uitgerust en te
worden ingezet voor stenen storten op hetzelfde Sakhalin van Oord project. Tijdens het vertrek van de
Giant 3 arriveerde de Giant 2 te Batam. Zij werd gesleept door de ITC sleepboot Simoon (kapitein
Jan Nieuwhof) en kwam van West Afrika – Gabon. De Giant 2 werd afgemeerd bij PT WWE, op de
plek waar zojuist de Giant 3 was vertrokken. De Giant 2 onderging eveneens haar jaarlijkse, Lloyds
hull survey. De Giant 2 zal hier nog enige tijd blijven liggen (juli) om hierna in contract te gaan naar
Australie. Eind van de maand wordt voor hetzelfde Sakhalin van Oord project de Ocean Seal
(Fairmount) op de werf van PT WWE verwacht. De ponton zal daar worden uitgerust om ook stenen te
gaan storten.(Bron:Hans van der Ster)
Seabreeze News April 2005
Marathon
DOF To Run Marathon This month saw the announcement of a truly “marathon” Marathon fixture for
DOF. The UT 755 PSV Skandi Yare has gained an eighteen month charter with the oil company
commencing in a window between June and September of this year. The 2001 built PSV will support
Marathon’s drilling operations with the Deep Sea Bergen, the semisubmersible rig which is currently
working for BP in the East of Shetland basin.
Havila Hurrah!
Norwegian owners Havila had plenty of reason to celebrate this month with several term fixtures for
some of their newly acquired fleet. Firstly, Apache North Sea Limited decided to charter Havila VS 483
PSV, the Havila Fortress for a sixty to one hundred and twenty day period, supporting JU Galaxy III.
The contract began at the start of April, so we could potentially see the Havila Fortress back on the
spot market as early as June this year. The Havila Faith front ran the Fortress for around ten days until
the Fortress was ready to start with Apache. Secondly, it was announced that both the 600m2 deck
PSV Havila Fame and UT 706 PSV Havila Fortune will begin term charters in June. These two
vessels will support the laybarge Togmore on the Langeland pipeline for Allseas with expected
contract duration of between thirty and sixty days. Finally, Havila also announced the term fixture of
the VS 483 PSV Havila Faith to TEAM. The 902m2 deck vessel began the charter in mid April and
will be working there until at least mid October this year, with a further six monthly options. The 1998
built ex- Stirling Spey will be carrying out pool support work for TEAM.
Dynamic Is Fantastic
In addition to chartering the Havila Faith, TEAM were also busy signing a contract with another
Norwegian owner – Eidesvik. Their VS 490 PSV Viking Dynamic has been chartered for 6 months
firm with options, beginning around early June. The Viking Dynamic is a diesel electric vessel
equipped with DP II and nearly a thousand square metres of deck area, all of which we are sure
contributed to TEAM’s decision to charter it. Eidesvik have also ordered two VS 470 MKII PSV hulls
from the Severnaya shipyard with delivery expected in December 2005 and March 2006 respectively.
Provider Proceeds For BG
Olympic Shipping UT 755L PSV Olympic Provider has begun a one well charter with BG. The
contract commenced in mid April with an estimated duration of around 60 days. The Olympic
Provider will support the Ensco 70 on BG’s AH 04 well on Block 47 / ABA 2X in the Southern sector
of the North Sea.
Atlantic Hawk Swoops Across Atlantic
This month saw the departure of Atlantic Towing’s UT 722 Atlantic Hawk. The 14,400 BHP anchor
handler left the North Sea in early April for a three month firm charter plus options to Canadian oil
company Husky Energy, carrying out various duties for an exploration project in Canadian waters. As
a reminder, the UT 722L AHTS Atlantic Osprey is expected to leave the North Sea to begin a much
longer term charter with Husky in July this year. Atlantic Towing are currently reviewing options,
including designs, for their newbuild anchorhandling fleet.
Siggbas Top Of the Class
Sartor Shipping 1976 built standby vessel Siggbas will begin a four month firm term charter with
Conoco Philips at the Macadam field with options for work at the Mungo field, beginning in June. The
Siggbas is currently working on the spot market working for various charterers including Shell UK.
Symphony Starts New Tune
April saw the return of Farstad Shipping P105 PSV Far Symphony to the spot market in the first half
of the month. The DP II vessel has been on charter with Norsk Hydro since December 2003 and
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
although Norsk Hydro had options remaining they decided to let her go (although she subsequently
carried out several spot cargo runs with the operator in direct continuation).
Ranger Scores Goal For Hydro
Following on from the above story, with the departure of the Far Symphony, Norsk Hydro decided
(after a period of evaluation) to charter the newbuild UT 745E PSV Island Ranger for a twelve month
firm period with six monthly options. The Island Ranger delivered from the Kleven yard at the
beginning of April, commencing the term charter with Norsk Hydro soon after. The Island Ranger is
owned by Kleven Maritime, Island Offshore and Edison Chouest Offshore and one of her special
features is a stabilisation tank located just behind the accommodation unit which increases her
performance at sea.
No Quarrel With Coral
Toisa Limited AS 516 PSV Toisa Coral has been successful in gaining a term charter with turnkey
drilling contractors ADTI. The DP II equipped Toisa Coral is contracted for two wells firm with an
optional well, with each well estimated to last around fifty days. Contract commencement is expected
to be around the beginning of May to coincide with the Sedco 714 semi-submersible rig charter to BG.
Total Decide On Pride
Island Offshore UT 755 LN PSV Island Pride delivered in the first week of April from the Aker Brevik
Yard in Norway. The brand new supply vessel has now started its one year firm with one year option
contract with Total.
Petrobras En Garde Avec Guardsman
Some news from our Brazilian office - Petrobras have inked a deal with Specialist Marine Services for
the charter of the 420m2 deck PSV Guardsman. This vessel will deliver to Petrobras in Salvador,
Brazil by latest 29th August and will remain with the Brazilian national oil company for one year.
Chouest Go Crazy For Navy
The United States Navy’s Military Sealift Command has awarded a firm term charter to U.S. based
Edison Chouest Offshore. Under the contract, Chouest will build a 348’ support vessel to deliver fuel
from offshore tankers to US military fuel storage facilities when conventional fuel transfer facilities are
unavailable. A smaller tender vessel will also be provided by Chouest, similar in size to Chouest’s
current fast supply vessels. Together these two vessels will be known as an Offshore Petroleum
Discharge System (OPDS), with work, based in Guam, beginning in October 2006. The U.S. Navy
also have an option for a second OPDS to be exercised within one year of the delivery of the first
vessel.
Peak Seek Scotsman
Farstad Shipping ME 202 PSV Far Scotsman has been chartered by the Peak Group for four wells
firm plus one optional well. The 575m2 deck vessel will support the Global Santa Fe Labrador 1 in the
Southern sector of the North Sea starting between the end of May and beginning of June this year.
Seabreeze Breakers
The Maersk Advancer AHTS has left the North Sea for a 3 week firm charter assisting the Baobab
FPSO with CNR in West Africa.
The Edda Freya PSV began a 9 week ROV charter in the first half of April for Statoil.
Burlington will use the Olympic Supplier AHTS for 1 well in June, supporting the Noble Lynda
Bossler.
The North Traveller PSV will begin a 3 well with options charter to ATP (supporting Ensco 70) in July.
The Far Swan PSV will go to Stolt in June for a 60 days firm plus 30 daily options period.
Bourbon Helios and Bourbon Hermes newbuilds have gained term charters with BP Angola – More
on this next month.
Wow, What A Bow!
The big story of the month is surely the revolutionary new design AHTS developed by Ulstein Design
for Bourbon Offshore. The vessel breaks new ground in appearance and technical Innovation.
Designated Ulstein AX104, it incorporates other new concepts intended to mark a major advance in
crew safety. The contract has been placed with Ulstein Verft with scheduled delivery of May 2006 and
includes an option for a second vessel. The 83.6 m LOA hull for the 180 ton bollard pull vessel will be
built in Poland with fitting out and completion at Ulsteinvik. One of the first AHTS vessels in the world
to feature diesel electric propulsion, the specification also includes an option to incorporate a newly
designed anchor handling system developed by Odim. The design is aimed at eliminating the
hazardous nature of anchor handling work by protecting deck crew during the most hazardous
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
operations such as capturing anchor chain’s pennant wires, shackling and unshackling cables and
capturing buoys. Features include a tiltable stern ramp, dual cranes running along the crash barriers
with outreach over the stern and a camera at the stern enabling operators to see the angle at which
the anchor is ascending so that it can be dropped back and rotated using propeller jets. Tank tests
have shown that the bow design is superior to conventional designs as it cleaves the waves reducing
noise, vibration and slamming. Overall the new innovations are aimed at improving safety, the
environment, crew comfort, efficiency, fuel consumption and sea keeping qualities.
Normand Conquest
Solstad has announced that it is to acquire full ownership of the AHTS UT 722L Normand Borg,
currently on contract to Petrobras in Brazil, the PSV UT 737 Normand Flower currently with Pemex in
GOM, and the PSV UT 755 Normand Vibran ex Troms Steggen currently in the North Sea spot
market. Solstad will purchase the share ownership belonging to Island Offshore thus acquiring 100%
ownership. At the same time Solstad is relinquishing it’s interest in the ownership of the PSV UT 745E
Normand Rover by selling it’s share to Island. However, Solstad will operate and act as manager of
the vessel until the current contract with Pemex in Mexico expires at the end of 2005.
Patriot Flies the Flag For Island Offshore
Island Offshore took delivery of their P105 PSV Island Patriot. This vessel was built in the Ulstein
Verft yard in Norway and will begin an eight month term charter with Saipem in mid August 2005.
Island Offshore also saw the delivery of the Island Ranger, UT 745E PSV, and the Island Pride, UT
755LN PSV),
Cal Buys
Cal Dive International of Houston has paid USD 125m for Stolt Offshore’s inspection maintenance and
repair (IMR) interests. The vessels involved are American Triumph, American Victory, American
Liberty, American Diver, American Constitution, American Star, and Seaway Defender. Also included
in the sale agreement is the Seaway Kestrel which Stolt will charter back from Cal Dive to complete
pipelaying work in Trinidad. The deal provides Stolt with funds to invest in their existing fleet and
concentrate its effort on the global subsea umbilicals riser and flowlines (Surf) sector. Stolt plan to
concentrate their effort on securing more work in this sector globally but particularly in the Gulf of
Mexico deep water market and in pursuit of this ambition they will reinforce their team in Houston. It is
also reported that Caldive has entered into an asset purchase agreement with Torch Offshore Inc.
Which filed for Chapter 11 in January, for the purchase of their fleet and vessel related assets for a
consideration of USD 92 m approx. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court
and other regulatory agencies.
6
21 Ready For Fun
Indian ship owners Great Eastern Shipping took delivery of their newbuild AHTS Malaviya 21 this
month. The vessel was built in the Bharati Shipyard in India and design details include 133 tons
bollard pull, Fi-Fi 1, 67m L.O.A., 420m2 deck and about 10,800 BHP. The Malaviya 21 is currently
working in the Indian spot market. The company’s newbuild order book comprises 7 offshore support
vessels - 4 AHTS and 1 PSV being built at Bharati for delivery between now and June 2006 plus 2 x
UT 755 design PSV's being built at Aker Brattvaag scheduled for delivery summer 2006.
Skipper In Command
Solstad VS 4420 PSV Normand Skipper delivered from the Flekkefjord yard in Norway in the second
half of this month. The DP II vessel has now begun a five year firm plus options charter with
Norwegian operators Statoil. Other details of the Normand Skipper include a 1220 m2 deck, oil
recovery, LOA of 92.4metres and a large under deck capacity including methanol.
Trico Duo To Go
Trico Supply have sold two of their small PSVs to Seaport International of Sharjah in a contract worth
about USD 4 million. The Northern Sea was handed over and renamed the SIS Quest in April whilst
the Northern Seeker will be handed over once the contract with Wintershall is completed (June and
July). It is unclear at this time where the two Seaport PSVs will work.
Options All Round
Farstad have declared their second option of a UT 712L design DP II AHTS with Brevik Construction
AS, a subsidiary of Aker Brevik. Delivery is scheduled for September 2006. The first vessel is due for
delivery in April 2006 and the second in June 2006. Farstad are also building a UT 712L at Simek and
this vessel is scheduled for delivery in April 2006.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Rem Again
Rem Offshore have placed an order with Kleven Maritime for the proven and popular MT 6000 design
series. The vessel is a Multi Purpose Supply Vessel (MPSV) of the MT 6016 design and the contract
is valued at around NOK 230 million. Due for delivery in May 2006 the vessel will be 92.95 m LOA,
have a deck space of 1050 m2 and will feature diesel electric propulsion. Rem already has one MT
6000 MK II under construction at Kleven for delivery January 2006 and a UT 755LN under
construction at Brattvaag for delivery in December.
Jaya Jump For Joy Over Nomis Newbuild
The Jaya shipyard has agreed to build a 5,500 BHP, 70 ton bp, DP AHTS for Nomis Shipping. This
will be completed in March 2006 with an option for a second vessel delivering five months later. The
Jaya yard has previously worked for Nomis, delivering the Dea Argosy in 1999.
Conti Commences
Rigdon Marine celebrated the delivery of the GPA 640 PSV Conti this month. This is the seventh of
ten GPA 640 designs being built for Rigdon at the Bender Shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. Details of the
Conti include excellent liquid mud capacity, DP II and low fuel consumption. The other three Rigdon
GPA 640 newbuilds are called St. Louis, Toulouse and Esplanade, delivering over the next four
months. Mrs. Patti Guice and Billy Guice, Vice President Marketing, Rigdon Marine, christening the
Conti in Mobile, Alabama in early March.
Tanjung Offshore to acquire four more vessels
Tanjung Offshore Bhd in Malaysia has announced that it intends to acquire four more offshore support
vessels to enhance its range of marine services.Managing director Omar Khalid said Tanjung
Offshore's fleet was also boosted with the launch of a fourth anchor handler in March this year.
(Bron:Leo Kramer)
New Norwegian support vessel company formed
A new Norwegian vessel owner named Deep Sea Supply has been formed recently, having issued a
letter of intent to purchase six KMAR404 anchor handlers from Tidewater. However, as Offshore
Shipbrokers reported recently, the purchase is subject to raising adequate equity in the domestic and
international finance markets. (Bron:Leo Kramer)
Eidesvik orders two VS 470 MkIIs in Russia
Hull Invest AS, a company owned 33.3 per cent by Eidesvik Offshore ASA, has ordered two newbuild
VS 470 MK II hulls from Severnaya Shipwerf in St Petersburg, Russia.Hull Invest AS is co-owned by
West Contractors AS and Vik Sandvik AS, each of whom has a 33.3 per cent shareholding.Eidesvik
Offshore ASA currently operates two of the sister vessels in Nigeria. A third VS470 is under
construction at West Contractors Yard in Norway for delivery in June this year.The new hulls are due
to be delivered in December 2005 and March 2006. No decision has been made with respect to the
outfitting of the hulls. (Bron:Leo Kramer)
CH Offshore orders anchor handlers
CH Offshore has placed an order in Japan for two AHTS of 12,000BHP for delivery June andOctober
2006. (Bron:Leo Kramer)
Anchor handlers Ghent and Ravensturm sold
The AHTS Ghent (built 1976 - 6,000bhp) together with Ravensturm (built 1977 - 6,000bhp) has been
sold to Indian Buyers for an en bloc price of some close to US$2 million.Both vessels have been laid
up in the Far East for sometime, said Offshore Shipbrokers Limited. (Bron:Leo Kramer)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 18
dd. 16 Mei 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Wilchallenge verkocht
Met de aankoop van de Wilpower (ex. Karen S-05, ex. Diamante-98) is de Wilchallenge (ex.
Waterlines-99) verkocht aan Mushrif Contracting Co. en naar de Arabische Golf vertrokken. (Bron:
Lawrence Amboldt)
Keppel Singmarine Wins Contracts for 5 Vessels
5/10/05 9:12:03 AM Keppel Singmarine Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Keppel Offshore & Marine Ltd
(Keppel O&M) has secured orders for three offshore support vessels (OSVs) and two tugboats for
about $80 million. The vessels will be progressively delivered to their owners up to end 2006. Keppel
Singmarine will build one ice-class OSV for anchor handling and supply purposes for new customer,
the Russian oil company Lukoil Kaliningradmorneft (LUKOIL). When completed at end 2006, the
vessel will be deployed in the Caspian Sea region. The other two OSVs are for repeat customer
Groupe Bourbon (Bourbon). With these two 100-tonne bollard pull anchor handling tugs, Keppel
Singmarine’s orders from Bourbon will add up to a total of seven vessels. Keppel Smit Towage has
placed an order for two tugboats, designed by Keppel’s Marine Technology Development. Keppel
Singmarine has 19 vessels under construction, having delivered five since the beginning of 2005. Its
strong orderbook has placed the Company as one of the world’s leading builders of offshore support
vessels. The leading oil company in Russia, LUKOIL’s main activities are in oil & gas exploration and
production, and production and sale of petroleum products. Groupe Bourbon has a fleet of over 200
vessels offering clients customised services in offshore oilfields, in towage and assistance services
and in dry bulk transport. Keppel Smit Towage is a joint venture between Keppel and Smit
International Singapore. The company operates a complete spectrum of towage. (Bron: Marinelink)
Island Offshore Orders at Aker
5/10/05 NORWAY-based Aker Yards is to build two AHTS vessels of the new UT 787 type for Island
Offshore under a contract worth about NKr 800m (US127m). Aker notes that the contract on the
second vessel includes a cancellation clause. Roy Reite, responsible for the Offshore and Specialised
Vessels business area in Aker Yards says: "This contract is the 14th and 15th between Island
Offshore and Aker Yards, and confirms our unique relationship with Island Offshore". (Bron:Leo
Kramer)
Damen levert tweede slepers voor BP
Gorinchem - Scheepsbouw Damen Shipyards heeft de tweede nieuwe sleepboten opgeleverd voor
de Britse oliemaatschappij BP. De sleper, die de naam Castle Point heeft gekregen en een zusje is
van de Stanford, wordt ingezet voor de olieterminal bij de Coryton-raffinaderij, welke is gelegen aan
de Theems, net buiten Londen. Een derde sleepboot van BP, de Corringham, wordt op dit moment
nog afgebouwd bij de werf van Damen in Gorinchem en zal in juli worden opgeleverd. (Bron:Leo
Kramer)
Houma Tugboat Captain Convicted Of Second-Degree Murder
The Associated Press has reported from Napoleonville, La., that on May 4 an Assumption Parish jury
found Capt. Louis Ledet, 42, Houma, guilty of second-degree murder in the pistol slaying of Ryan
Andras, his deckhand. The murder took place after a disagreement in the pilothouse turned violent.
The incident took place in June 2003 aboard the Captain EJ in the Gulf Intracoastal waterway, when
Andras entered the pilothouse and tried to play with a gun Capt. Ledet had brought to the pilothouse.
According to testimony, Ledet refused to let Andras touch the gun and became angry when the two
began horseplaying. He held the gun to Andras’s head and said, according to deckhand Alvin Dardar,
“I am going to make you see God.” Then, as the testimony goes, he fired the weapon. A forensic
Pathologist testified to seeing a muzzle imprint on Andras’s head. When asked later what he meant,
he said he intended to kill him. Testimony was also presented that Ledet had brought a large amount
of cocaine aboard and threatened to kill Andras if he took any of it. Ledet told the jurors that he had
used cocaine the morning Andras was shot, the AP reported. Capt. Ledet faces a mandatory life
sentence, but no sentencing date has been set. After the one-day trial, the jury deliberated only 30
minutes. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
SmitWijs Singapore Reports (5)
SWS is 11/5 vertrokken van offshore Angola naar Vlissingen met H-541. Hebben er flink de sokken in
met de South Equatorial Current mee. Steady +10'. Wordt in de loop van volgende week wel minder.
We maken een offshore tussenstop t.h.v Las Palmas om 12 m3 smeerolie te bunkeren uit een
smeeroliebunkerbootje. 26/5 is ETA Las Palmas. ETA Vlissingen is week 23. (Bron: Kapitein SmitWijs
Singapore)
Harvey Gulf Contracts for New OSV
5/10/05 9:31:50 AM Harvey Gulf International Marine, Inc., signed a contract with Eastern Shipbuilding
Group, Panama City Fla., for the construction of the new generation 280 x 60 ft. Deep Water Offshore
Supply Vessels (OSV), to be named Harvey Spirit. The Harvey Gulf International Marine New
Generation design incorporates large capacities in a manageable vessel design with a space-efficient
design. It has a clear deck dimension of 202 x 52 ft. (10,500 sq. ft.), drilling fluid capacity of 13,500
bbl., 12,000 cu. ft. dry bulk along with its extremely high water and fuel capacities. Liquid cargo
loading and delivery systems aboard the HGIM New Generation include oversize piping systems. The
vessels can discharge liquid mud at high flow rates (1,400 gpm). Operators will be able to make full
use of the vessel’s cargo capability in port areas that limit deeper vessels to operation at less than full
capacity, as well as vessels with shallow hulls that cannot work in rough seas, wind and especially
currents. The Harvey Gulf New Generation will offer enhanced features such as computerized tank
level indicator systems, computerized cargo discharge system, vessel stability program and fuel
management system which are fully automated. Two high horsepower bow thrusters, a stern thruster
along with 6000 bhp controllable pitch main propulsion plant combine to make these vessels very
maneuverable at offshore rig and platform locations. The hull is configured with double bottom and
double sides, enabling the vessel to survive accidents. The double bottoms and double sides are
primarily used for water tankage. In addition to the hull configuration, the vessel’s sewage and waste
systems are arranged for zero discharge operation, allowing the collection and shore disposal of
sanitary drainage, rather than the more typical overboard discharge of wastes into sensitive or
regulated marine environments. Last year Harvey Gulf International took delivery of its two new breed
240 x 56 ft. Deep Water Offshore Supply Vessels (OSV), and both are presently involved with long
term contracts. (Bron: Marinelink)
Seabulk doubles Labroy order
US tanker and offshore ship operator Seabulk is splashing out $44m to double its order for anchor
handling tug supply vessels at Singapore’s Labroy Shipbuilding and Engineering. Seabulk, which
signed an order for four of the vessels in November, has now exercised an option for a further four.
The 7,000 horsepower ships are scheduled for delivery in late 2006 and early 2007. The earlier
vessels, which were ordered for a similar price, are set for handover slightly earlier in 2006. Seabulk,
which is expected to close its merger deal with offshore operator Seacor in the current quarter, will
deploy the ships in West Africa and Southeast Asia. (Bron: Daily Shipping News)
Aker Yards gets four PSV order from Siem
Aker Brattvaag, a company in the Aker Yards Group, and Siem Offshore Inc. have entered into a
contract to build four platform supply vessels (PSV's). The value of the newbuilding contract is
approximately NOK 490 million (about $78.3 million). The vessels will be 73.4 meters long, and 16.6
meters wide, and will have a maximum cargo capacity of 3,600 tonnes. The vessels are of Vik-
Sandvik's VS 470 mk II design, twelve of which have been built in the past. Delivery is scheduled for
2006. The contract includes an option for two more vessels. (Bron: Daily Shipping News)
Nieuw boek over de sleepvaart
door Nico Ouwehand: Afgelopen vrijdag 13 mei werd in het Nationaal Sleepvaart Museum te
Maassluis een nieuw boek gepresenteerd over de sleepvaart, om precies te zijn over het leven van
kapitein B.C. Weltevreden, gedurende de Tweede Wereldoorlog gezagvoerder op de sleepboot
HUDSON van L. Smit & Co’s Internationale Sleepdienst te Rotterdam. Deze aimabele man heeft met
zijn bemanning en zijn relatief kleine sleepboot vooral in de periode 1940-1945 huzarenstukjes
uitgehaald. “Ome Ben” , zoals hij in de wandeling werd genoemd. Was dan ook wereldberoemd in
Nederlandse sleepvaartkringen. In Engeland werd deze man gewaardeerd met diverse
onderscheidingen, waaronder het ereburgerschap van Londen. Het boek is geschreven door Willem
Pop, aangetrouwde familie van de gezagvoerder. Veel informatie heeft hij kunnen halen uit het archief
van het museum. Ook internet was een belangrijke informatiebron. Daarnaast is het eerder
verschenen boek van Maarten Bezuijen over de sleepboot HUDSON een niet te onderschatten bron
geweest. Dit boek gaat echter voornamelijk over de persoon Ben Weltevreden en is daardoor een
belangrijk document geworden m.b.t. de sleepvaart, zoals die zich een halve eeuw geleden afspeelde.
Het eerste exemplaar van het boek werd aangeboden aan Dirk Weltevreden, zoon van Ome Ben.
Andere gesigneerde boeken gingen naar burgemeester J. Karssen van Maassluis en wethouder P.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Hoogenraad. Desgewenst is het boek te bestellen bij het Nationaal Sleepvaart Museum, Hoogstraat 1-
3, 3142 EA Maassluis. De prijs is Euro 25,75 plus verzendkosten. Men kan natuurlijk ook terecht bij de
beter gesorteerde boekhandel. (Bron: Daily Shipping News)
WSS / MarineNews
Sales, Transfers and renamings
Far Turbot (Tender Turbot – 90) 1621/80 – offshore tug/supply. By Farstad Supply A.S. Isle of Man
(British) to Shanghai Offshore Petroleum Exploration & Development Corp. Panama and renamed
Dong Fang Yong Shi 3.
Navigator (Kanga – 98; Dea Supply – 97; Star Taurus – 97) 973/74 – offshore supply. By R & B
Falcon Corp., Bahamas to unspecified owners and renamed Marksman
Tito Neri, 347/92 – tug. By Fratelli Neri Services Maritimos Sociedade, Portugal (Mar) to
SvitzerWijsmuller (Americas) Ltd.,Brazil and renamed Svitzer Orinoco
Members Reports
Emsgarth 162/75 – tug was renamed Iltizam (Mor) prior to 21/2/2005
Kintore 363/77 – tug was renamed Hector (Vct) at Invergordon prior to 16/2/2005
Casualties
Oktay Veliyev (Neftegaz 59 – 95) 2723/88 – tug/supply owned by Oil Industry Fleet Administration,
Azerbaijan grounded when she was sent out from Baku to assist the grounded Saalty.
Tug Nestor 236/72 Raised around 18-19/12/2004 and towed to Slite.
Demolitions
Avatar (HOS Avatar – 96; Antelope – 94; Sally B – 91; Mule – 90; Rhonda Martin – 86) 292/74 –
offshore tug/supply. By T.Benetee LLCC (Hornbeck Offshore Oerators Inc) USA to unspecified
breakers and reported 3/2004
Fighter
De Fighter is met haar sleep, de Smit Anambas, in Belfast aangekomen op woensdag 11 mei. Hier zal
de Smit Anambas worden gelost en door de Fighter weer terug naar Rotterdam worden gesleept. De
verwachting is dat de Fighter morgen, de 17 e mei, zal vertrekken en een dag of 4 nodig heeft om in
Rotterdam te komen. Dus als alles naar wens verloopt wordt zij de 21 mei in Rotterdam verwacht.
(Bron: Hans van der Ster)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 19
dd.22 Mei 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
SmitWijs Rotterdam Reports (1)
7 mei zat het verlof er weer op en maakte de rust van thuis plaatst voor de drukte van een vroege
Schiphol morgen, waarvandaan we via Londen Gatwick naar Gibraltar zouden vliegen alwaar de
Smitwijs Rotterdam verwachtte aan te komen voor bunkers, en aflossing. Een korte vlucht naar
London en daar een paar uur wachten op de door vlucht naar Gibraltar. Vroeg in de avond landden
we op het kleine stukje Engeland op het Europese vasteland en hingen we even in de riemen
vanwege een sterk afremmend vliegtuig dat overigens ruim voor het einde van de korte landingsbaan,
die op Gibraltar in zee eindigt, stil stond om vervolgens zijn weg naar de terminal te vinden.
Uitkijkend naar de plaatselijke agent voegden we ons tussen de aankomende vakantiegangers die
allen feilloos hun bestemming leken te vinden, alleen was er voor ons geen bordje met namen deze
keer. Even wachten dan maar, en was het onze HWTK die meende iets over de interkom te horen
waarin hij onze namen herkende, dus op naar de informatie balie, en inderdaad was er voor ons een
oproep geweest en werden we aan de balie door de agent welkom gewenst te Gibraltar.
Vervoer was natuurlijk geregeld, kregen we te horen, alleen had de goede man er geen rekening mee
gehouden dat zeelui doorgaans wat meer bagage mee zeulen dan de gemiddelde toerist. Passen en
meten en nog eens meten, maar ging de bagage bij lange na niet allemaal in de kofferbak van de
klaar staande taxi, dus ook maar het een en ander op de stoel naast de bestuurder, en of we ook
maar het nodige op schoot wilden nemen terwijl de achterbank met drie volwassenen naast elkaar
toch al erg krap was. Niet direct aan boord, maar eerst een nachtje in het hotel, en dat was gelukkig
minder dan vijf minuten rijden zodat we al snel uit onze benarde positie bevrijd werden. Alvorens we
ingecheckt waren nadat een hele stoet toeristen ons waren voorgegaan was de avond al flink
gevorderd, snel nog even een hapje eten en koffie toe op het buiten terras dat uitkeek over zee,
hoewel het inmiddels al te donker was geworden om die nog te kunnen zien. Leuk hoor, een hotel
kamer aan de rotsachtige kust van Gibraltar, alleen toen we elkaar om 7 uur in de morgen in de lobby
troffen bleken we alle drie een nacht lang naar de branding die op de kust liep te hebben liggen
luisteren. Volgens afspraak werden we om klokslag 8 uur opgehaald, alhoewel met hetzelfde ruime
vervoer van da avond er voor, maar Gibraltar is niet groot, en rij afstanden daardoor kort en konden
we ons na slechts een paar minuten aan boord van een klaarliggend bootje begeven dat ons naar de
ten ankerliggende Smitwijs Rotterdam zou brengen. De collegae aan boord waren al druk met
vaartuigen langszij die sludge op haalden en bunkers brachten, en dan wij er nog tussendoor om de
zaak over te nemen. Al met al liepen zaken voorspoedig en werd vroeg in de avond vertrokken, op
reis met de losse boot via het Suez Kanaal naar Singapore. We hadden er prachtig weer bij in de
Middellandse zee, en kwamen op vrijdag 13 mei tegen middernacht ten anker op de rede van Port
Said. Om 05:00 op zaterdag morgen stond het bedrijf al weer bij. We waren nummer drie van de vijf
schepen in het zuid gaande konvooi, en nadat het anker was thuis gehaald voegden we in achter de
twee voorgaande schepen onderweg naar de uiterton om daar de loods aan boord te nemen.
Marlboro country, sommige dingen veranderen nooit lijkt het wel, en ook ditmaal bleek alles om "small
present for me please" te draaien. De eerste loods was het daar duidelijk niet mee eens en leek in
onvervalst Arabisch zijn landgenoten die om een presentje bedelden de huid vol te schelden, om
daarna in gebrekkig Engels hoofdschuddend duidelijk te maken wat hij van al dat bedelen van zijn
landgenoten vond, verschrikkelijk dus. Zo verdien je het ook natuurlijk, want wat de anderen niet
kregen daar meende de man zelf aanspraak op te kunnen maken. Niet alleen wat sigaretten, maar
had hij als ontbijt al een blikje tonijn leeggeschept, en of we daar ook nog wat van hadden. Dat
hadden we wel, en verliet hij voldaan de brug nadat hij door een collega loods thv Port Said was
afgelost. Met een gangetje van zo'n negen tot tien mijl per uur werd het eerste gedeelte van het
kanaal genomen waarna we rond 11:00 nabij Al Ballah in de by-pass afmeerden om het noord gaande
konvooi te laten passeren. Dat duurde tot 17:30, waarna we met een verse loods aan boord onze reis
door het kanaal voortzetten. Nabij Ismailia weer een loods wissel, en vervolgens nog een bij Suez,
waarna de laatste loods slechts enkele minuten aan boord bleef alvorens hij ons lang voor de uiterton
een goede reis wenste en vertrok, samen met de plaatselijke elektricien, die zijn broer en zijn oom en
hun vrienden die om onduidelijke redenen aan boord blijken te moeten zijn tijdens de passage. Maar
goed, de mannen hadden hun handeltje in souvenirs mee dat in de mess werd uitgestald en geeft dat
dan wel weer wat eigens aan de Suez kanaal zaak. Hoewel de zegelkast dan wel wat had geleden
onder de passage, kwamen we er verder zonder kleerscheuren van af en konden we onze reis
vervolgen met het doorkruisen van het drukke vaarwater thv Suez. Inmiddels, woensdag 18 mei om 7
uur in de morgen, bevinden we ons in het zuiden van de Rode zee die we vanavond met de passage
van Bab el Mandeb verwachten te verladen. Na een paar dagen bladstil weer en een absoluut vlakke
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
zee is het deze morgen behoorlijk briezerig geworden. Recht van voren in ook nog, stampen en
buizen dus, en went dat mooie weer dan toch wel snel, maar goed we komen lekker vooruit en kijken
we dus maar uit naar Singapore waar we het einde van de maand verwachtten aan te komen.
Tot zo ver dan maar, en wens ik bij deze alle geadresseerden een goede wacht of, voor diegenen die
het aangaat, een prettige voortzetting van het verlof. (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Rotterdam)
Steiner-built tug heading for the Caymans
Bayou La Batre, Ala.-based Steiner Shipyard recently completed the 65'x26'x9'6" line-handling tug
Sand Cay for West Indian Towage Ltd., Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. West Indian Marine will
operate the boat. The Sand Cay is a shallow-draft, low profile, twin-screw tug/utility workboat for
Inland, harbor and coastal service. The double chine hull and superstructure are all welded-steel
construction. John MacKenzie, West Indian’s managing director, said his company won a contract
from Esso to provide ship-assist services to tankers that call at Grand Cayman. “I almost bought a
standard tug,” MacKenzie said, “but the Esso contract only provided work for the boat a few days a
month. I got talking to Russell Steiner about designing a vessel that was versatile enough to pick up
any marine work available around the island.” In addition to ship-assist work, the tug can be used as
an anchor-handler, construction platform, dredge tender, utility boat, buoy tender, and salvage vessel.
The hull is divided into five watertight compartments. Around the hull at deck level is a heavy-duty
steel sheer strake. A bulwark is placed around the main deck with an open stern, while the
superstructure is placed well inboard and forward. “I think you’d call it a Cayman Island yacht tug,”
said Russell Steiner, the yard’s founder. “It’s specially custom designed, with a European style.” Aft of
the superstructure is a large work deck that has a double pole cruciform-style towing bitt with towing
hook on the center aft deck. Twin Caterpillar C18 TA C diesels, each producing 715 hp at 2,100 rpm,
provide the boat’s main propulsion. The Cats drive fixed-pitch, 4-bladed, 53.25"x59" bronze Rice
propellers, each in a Kort-type nozzle, through Reintjes WAF 364 marine gears. The electrically
started engines have a closed-circuit freshwater cooling system. The boat’s running speed is 10 knots.
“This boat really has the propellers way up inside her because you want the big props to draw as little
water as possible,” said Steiner. “It’s really a shallow draft in there as you come into the harbor.” The
wheelhouse, which offers an unobstructed view in all directions, is designed to prevent damage when
coming in alongside (heeling). The boat’s hull was built upside down in a construction shed on dollies.
When the boat was ready to be flipped, the Sand Cay was pulled out and turned with two hydraulic
cranes. Ship’s service power comes from a 40kw Northern Lights generator powered by a John Deere
6068 engine. There are accommodations for four crew. The tug was delivered in March. (Bron: Jan
van der Doe)
Verret and Sneed deliver towboats for Blessey
In February, Blessey Marine Services held a dual christening on the New Orleans waterfront for a pair
of steel-hulled towboats. The 66'x30'x10' Judy S. Fried was designed and built at Verret Shipyard Inc.,
Plaquemine, La., and the 65'x30'x9' Luke Bryan was designed and constructed at Sneed Shipbuilding,
Orange, Texas. The boats will push black-oil barges along the inland waterway system. “We’re right at
about 20 boats [when those on order are delivered] we’ve built at Verret,” owner Walter Blessey said
at the christening ceremony. As has been the case with Blessey’s new towboats, creature comforts
such as upscale appliances and cabinetry in the galley and individual television and VCR systems in
each room provide crews with a little more incentive to remain with Blessey. “It’s really all about
people,” said Blessey. “When you give them good equipment to work with, you get good results.”
“When we build a boat for [Walter], we do our best to make it first class,” said Murray Verret, the yard’s
founder. The Judy S. Fried is powered by a pair of Cummins KTA19-M3 diesels, each producing 640
hp at 1,800 rpm. The mains are connected to Rice propellers through Twin Disc MG-5202 marine
gears with 6:1 reduction ratios. The steering system is from Custom Hydraulics and controls are by
Mathers. Twin Cummins 5.9BTA gensets, sparking 55kw of electricity each, provide ship’s service
power. Capacities include 20,000 gals. of fuel and 7,500 gals. water. The vessel has room for a crew
of eight. It was delivered in February. The Luke Bryan features a retractable wheelhouse. “Sneed built
us a good boat,” Blessey said. “We’re currently building a fleet boat with them.” The Luke also gets its
main propulsion from two Cummins KTA19-M3 diesel engines, developing 640 hp at 1,800 rpm each.
The KTA19s are connected to Rice wheels also through Twin Disc MG-5202 marine gears. It also has
a Custom Hydraulics steering system and controls by Mathers. Ship’s service power is again handled
by two Cummins 5.9BTA gensets, producing 55kw of electrical power each. Tankage includes 18,000
gals. of fuel and 7,500 gals. water. The Luke Bryan was delivered in December. (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
USCG Blames Captain For Bridge Collapse
We received this late, but it is worth noting that a Coast Guard report blames Capt. David D. Fowler
for failing to prepare for a turn leading up to the causeway to South Padre island, causing the 2001
collapse that killed eight people. In an Associated Press story out of Harlingen, Texas, also revealed
that strong currents before dawn on September 15, 2001, were also a factor, and a shortage of
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
horsepower may have made it more difficult for Capt. Fowler to keep control of his load, which was a
quarter-mile long. Fowler lost control of the four steel-laden barges he was towing with a Brown Water
V towboat, and heavy currents swept the barges into a bridge support. Two 80-foot sections of bridge
roadway tumbled into the bay. Retired Coast Guard officer James Wilson, who presided over the
hearings, did not find current, horsepower, or the way the boats were loaded to be contributing factors,
but Coast Guard higher-ups disagreed, the AP said. The CG report said that while Capt. Fowler’s
negligence was the apparent cause, the strong currents and their influence on the tow’s misalignment
cannot be ignored. Several lawsuits are pending, the AP reported, including one that alleges American
Commercial Barge Lines, Jeffersonville, Ind., hired a towing company that it knew had problems. A
plaintiff attorney said he would show that a lack of horsepower is to blame. The Coast Guard said it
would not pursue criminal charges against Capt. Fowler. He has surrendered his Coast Guard license
and is now driving trucks. note: The report was first hand-delivered to families on April 28. It was
obtained by the Associated Press on May 5 and later included in a Coast Guard newsletter.) (Bron:
Jan van der Doe)
Versatile Boat With Specialized Options
5/20/05 9:11:53 AM When one hears “off shore energy” in the
marine sector, it is the petroleum industry that comes most
readily to mind. Now a Shetland vessel chartering company
has taken delivery of a boat with specialized equipment to
support the maintenance of off shore wind-powered
electrical enerating units. Serving a function similar to that
of Gulf of Mexico jack-up boats the new vessel has two 15meter
spud legs to hold it in position while servicing the
wind mills. The portside push bows have a gap to suit the
four-meter base of wind-farm piles, allowing the vessel to
push up against the pile without fear of sliding off. The
harder you push the less motion is felt at the bow of the
vessel therefore allowing the safe transfer of personnel and
heavy parts, gearboxes or motors which typically weight 6.5 tons. Additional accommodation is
provided for service technicians as well. With UK Governments committed to generating 15% of
electricity from renewable sources by 2015 significant growth is expected in the off shore wind-farm
market. A representative of Delta Marine, has said, “We have previously undertaken work on offshore
wind-farms in Denmark and off the English coast but found our current fleet not ideally suited to the
work. The Voe Viking will give us greater flexibility and allow us to take on other aspects of the
construction and maintenance of offshore projects.” Launched from the Damen shipyard at
Hardinxveld the Netherlands the boat is built on their Damen Multi Cat 2611 design. The 26- by 11.5meter
vessel is extremely versatile with capabilities in anchor handling, dredger service, supply,
towing, hose handling, survey and ship assist. The Voe Viking is classed Bureau Veritas I °Ë HULL .
MACH Tug, unrestricted navigation, Nat. Authorities: MCA workboat class 1, 150 miles off shore.
Towing power for the vessel, which is rated with a 33-ton bollard pull, is provided by three Cummins
KTA38 M0 delivering a total of 1791 bkW at 1800 RPM to Reintjes WAF 464 gears with 6:1 reductions
and turning 1700 m/m propellers in nozzles. The triple engine configuration delivers large power while
maintaining a shallow 2.25-meter draft for inshore work. The triple engine configuration allows great
versatility in that the two outside engines are used for close and harbor maneuvering while all three
can be used for towing and for traveling light, the centre-line engine delivers adequate power for hull
speed providing green fuel economy. In addition to a 30-ton towing winch the vessel has 100-ton
anchor handling winch and two 13-ton tugger winches. Delta Marine’s history in marine construction is
evident in the thoughtful deck layout and equipment. The crane and deck layout allows floating
pipelines to be lifted on board the complete length of the vessel to enable safe connection and
maintenance work on the joints. Large anchors, of 16 tons or more can be lifted over the bow and
placed aft with the after crane, allowing more workspace forward. The winch layout and placement of
two horizontal deck rollers allows all three winches and the 5 ton capstan to be used over the bow or
stern. Both cranes can work over the bow, the aft crane being able to lift 14 tons over the stern and 10
tons over the bow. Container fittings welded into the deck are placed so as to allow the vessel to
continue anchor handling and crane operations while the containers are in use by, for instance. a dive
or survey team. Hydraulic power is provided by a 400 kW Cummins N14 engine. A pair of 89 kW
generators are also Cummins powered. For maintaining position and general maneuverability the boat
has a 360 degree 200 kW bow thruster. The Voe Viking's three main and three auxiliary engines are
all Cummins. A Delta Marine spokesman explains that the company chose them because they were
satisfied with the performance of Cummins engines on their previous vessel. "We were impressed that
we could have them serviced without the use of highly specialised equipment. All that's required is the
services of a good engineer," he said, adding that. "We chose the KTA 38M because it is at the low
end of its power range and we wanted an engine that would last as long as possible and was easy to
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
maintain. Cummins was the obvious choice for the new build as our men are now familiar with them."
The Voe Viking is the fourth vessel in the company’s charter fleet. (Bron: Marinelink)
SmitWijs Singapore
SWS en route Vlissingen via offshore Las Palmas. ETA Las Palomas 25/5. ETA Vlissingen op het
moment 5/6, maar met continuatie van mooie weer wat we hebben en goede voortgang wordt dat nog
wel wat vroeger. (Bron: Kapitein SmitWijs Singapore)
Kristin Platform Successfully Towed Out
5/19/05 9:06:21 AM The towing of the semi-submersible Kristin platform has been successfully
accomplished with support from Kongsberg Maritime systems. iSurvey, a specialist in navigation,
positioning and survey services utilised the Kongsberg Maritime multi reference DGPS system DPS,
as the reference system during the towing to provide accurate positioning of the platform and tugs.
The semi-submersible Kristin production platform was towed to the Statoil development in the
Norwegian Sea. Setting off on March 25th, from Aker Kværner yard at Stord (south of Bergen), Kristin
arrived on the Haltenbank in the early hours of March 29th with the assistance of five of the world's
largest seagoing tugs. The tugs are all owned by Mærsk, and include one towing forward of the
platform, one at each side and one aft. Tug number five was serving as an escort. With senior iSurvey
offshore surveyors operating the Kongsberg Maritime positioning equipment onboard Kristin, the
towing operation demonstrated a high level of co-operation between all the companies involved. For
safety reasons, the platform - which has no engines of its own - was towed in the open sea and could
not be observed from land during its voyage. Plans called for installation work to be completed by May
15th, with the first gas due to arrive topside on July 1st and production scheduled to start on October
1st. (Bron: Marinelink)
WSS / MarineNews
Sales, Transfers and renamings
Adelaar, (Bugsier 25 – 85) 115/59 – tug. By Scheepvaartmaatschappij ‘Adelaar’ Netherlands to
unspecified owner and renamed RM Pauillax
Buccaneer (Drive Ocean II – 91, Moray Harstad – 89, Smit Moray – 87, Moray Harstad – 87) 2649/82
– diving support vessel. By Buccaneer Navigation Ltd. To Daysland NV both Norway (NIS). Name
unchanged.
Danegarth, (Uran – 03) 359/98 – tug. By Locat Locazione Attrezzature SpA, UK to Tripmare Srl, Italy
and renamed Uran
Hercules (Artic Pelly – 91, Federal 7 – 78), 719/73 – offshore supply. By Caribbean Navigation Ltd.
British Virgin Islands to Integradora Maritima del Golfo SA de CV Mexico and renamed Olimpico
Ocean Chief, (Boa Chief – 03, Eide Chied – 93, Jomi – 90, Uller – 72, Topdalsfjord II) 290/43 – tug.
Has been renamed Ocean Lady by A.Q.Red Sea Shipping Co.Ltd. Cyprus.
Sanmar Eskort, 461/04 – tug. By interests associated with Sanmar Denizclik Makina ve Ticaret Ltd.
Sirketi, Turkey to Rimorchiatori Sardi SpA Italy and renamed Achille Onorato
Seabulk Carolyn, 408/98 – tug. By Seabulk Carolyn Inc. Marshall Islands to Oceanografie SA de CV
Mexico and renamed Tatich
Seabulk Katie, 408/98 – tug Has been renamed Caballo Lipizano by Oceanografie SA de CV
Mexico
Seabulk Kentucky, (Inter Surf – 96) 627/83 – offshore supply. Has been renamed NW Nuevo Leon
by Seabulk Offshore Ltd. USA and transferred to Mexico Registry.
Tatich (Seabulk Carolyn – 01), 408/98 – tug. By Oceanografie SA de CV to Candies Mexican
Investments S de RL de CV both Mexico and renamed Caballo Appaloosa.
Toisa Gryphon (toisa Lynx – 93, TNT Lynx – 90, SSS Fremantle – 84) 1301/84 – offshore tug/supply.
By Toisa Ltd, Bahamas to Karan Shipping LLC, Comoros and renamed Karan.
Members Reports
Antonie, 144/71 – tug was renamed Antoni X (Pan) prior to 19/7/2004
Ganges, 291/82 – tug was renamed Culmore (Gbr) at Londonderry on 9/3/2005
Groix, 282/71 – tug was renamed Ekom (Vct) prior to 24/5/2004.
Gurrong, 495/00 – tug was renamed Adsteam Victory at Dunkirk prior to 28/2/2005
Med Salvor, 389/03 – tug was renamed Vincenzo M (Ita) prior to 20/9/2004
Odin II, 142/81 – tug was renamed Odin (Dnk) prior to 24/5/2004
Pushdale H, 33/66 – tug was renamed Vigour (Gbr) at Liverpool prior 17/3/2005
Sha Tin, 18/89 – tug is reported to have been delivered to Maputo as Xefina in 7/2003
Ting Kau, 188/89 – tug is reported to have been delivered to Maputo as Polana in 7/2003
VB Alisio, 231/93 – tug was renamed Boluda Alisio (Pan) prior to 7/3/2005
Wyepress, 72/69 – tug has been renamed Susan (Gbr)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Demolitions
Diamanti (Adams – 91, Tuzla – 89), 464/55 – tug. By Psiloritis Cretan Towage Salvage Shipping Co.
–Greece to unspecified breakers and reported 2/2005.
Doxa (Poseidon II – 86, Flying Mist – 81), 169/62 – tug. By Hellenic Tugboats Marine Co. (Megalohari
Hellenic Tugboats Salvage & Towage), Greece, to Greek breakers and reported 2/2005.
Seacor Anna (Nicor Anna – 90), Coastal Cat – 87), 199/80 – offshore supply. By Anna Offshore Inc.
(Seacor Marine Inc), USA., to unsecified breakers and reported 2/2005.
Warm Seas IV (Chief R – 98, Cieftain – 97), 222/68 – tug.ByWarm Seas Development & Trading Co.
LLC, United Arab Emirates, to Indian breaker and boarded off Alang 3/3/2005. Beached 4/3/2005.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 20
dd. 17 Juli 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
New towboats for Golding Barge Line
In recent years, new inland towboat orders have primarily come from just a handful of operators,
including Blessey Marine, Eckstein Marine and Maryland Marine. Now, add Golding Barge Line Inc. to
the list. In January, the Vicksburg, Miss.-based inland operator placed the 3,000-hp Angie Golding into
service — its first owned and operated towboat. Built by Newsouth Marine Builders LLC, Greenville,
Miss., the 110'x32'x10'3" boat features a retractable pilothouse and a tunneled hull that increases fuel
efficiency up to 30 percent, according to Steve Golding, president of Golding Barge. The cost of the
boat was approximately $3 million. Golding, who sold his Ole Man River Towing Company to Kirby
Corp. in 1992, started Golding Barge Line in 2001 with a pair of tank barges. The company now has
33 double-skin tank barges, including three that were delivered in the first quarter. Thirteen of the
barges are 30,000-bbl. bottoms, all built at Jeffboat from 2001-2004, and 20 are 10,000- and 12,000bbl.
The average age of the barge fleet is only four years old. “We are now in the process of putting
our own boats out there,” said Golding. “I am going with all new boats to go with all new barges. It’s
building for the future.” The company has been operating four chartered towboats. Golding’s plans
include a pair of 2,600-hp towboats currently under construction at Quality Shipyards LLC in Houma,
La. After the two from Quality are delivered, Golding said he hopes to build one or two 2,000-hp boats.
“We will need more than the three. We will need to add more horsepower.” Before deciding to build
new vessels, Golding first checked the used market. “We looked all over the market and found that
horsepower is very, very tight. It is extremely hard to find a good, used hull to modify and refurbish.
There are 30- to 35-year-old boats available [to refurbish] that were mediocre boats even when new.
We elected not to do this.” Golding chose designer Tim Hovas, who founded Newsouth Marine along
with Joe Nichols, to build the Angie Golding after inspecting the yard’s first boat, the Marguerite L.
Terral. The Angie is based on the same hull design. “Tim is a real quality boatbuilder, a real
perfectionist,” Golding said. “We went on the boat, interviewed the pilothouse personnel and got to see
the design. We liked it, and decided to have him lengthen it from 103 feet to 110 feet. The tunneled
hull is a work of art, it really is.” The steel boat is powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512B-II engines
each producing 1,500 hp at 1,600 rpm. The engines turn 4-bladed, 84"x67", stainless-steel wheels
through Reintjes WAF-772 gears with 6.153:1 reduction ratios. The combination gives the Angie a
design speed of 8 knots. The boat features a full Furuno electronics suite and a Capn Voyager
electronic charting system. Ship’s service power is provided by a John Deere 6068 engine that drives
a Marathon 99kw generator. The boat has tankage for 34,000 gals. of fuel, 13,000 gals. water, 1,400
gals. gear oil, and 1,400 gals. lube oil. The 94-foot, 2,600-hp steel towboats currently underway at
Quality, the Nathan Golding and the John Reid Golding, are identical except for two items — the
Nathan has a retractable wheelhouse and a 28' beam while the John Reid is a conventional design
with a 30' beam. The Corning Townsend-designed boats both have a depth of 10' and an 8' draft. And
like the Angie Golding, both will be outfitted with a pair of Cat 3512B engines. The boats will be
delivered in mid-December. “We asked Quality to incorporate some of the same features as the
Angie,” said Golding. “They gave us more tunneling than on a stock boat.” With the new boats,
Golding expects to double the number of employees from 25 to 50 by next spring. By — David Krapf
(Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Nieuwbouw Saveiros
Saveiros, Camuyrano - Serviços Maritimos S. A. heeft vorig maand de ASD sleepboot CETUS in
dienst genomen. Gebouwd door Wilson & Sons, Guaruja, volgens een ontwerp van Damen. 2x
Caterpillar, 45 t paaltrek, 3000 pk. De derde in de serie van drie, de HARIS zal in augustus volgen.
Volgend jaar komen er twee grotere sleepboten van hetzelfde werf met een paaltrek van 65 t. De
TAURUS (1680 apk MAN, 185 brt, 1976 gebouwd) is vorig jaar gesloopt (de nieuwe TAURUS was de
eerste van het trio) maar de SATURNO uit 1928 is nog steeds in dienst (motoriseerd in 1984). (Bron:
Lawrence Amboldt)
ABEILLE 10 renamed MALIKA, ets Le Havre 6/6 for Dakar. (Bron : Michael Vincent)
REDCLIFFE renamed ADSTEAM KEELBY, transfered to the Humber. (Bron : Michael Vincent)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
WSS / MarineNews
Sales, Transfers and renamings
Lady Elaine (Far Tracer – 89; Tender Tracer – 86) 2217/83 offshore supply/tug. By P/R International
Offshore Services ANS, Isle of Man (British) to Intra-Oil Services Sendirian, Belize Malaysia and
renamed IOS Elaine.
Martha (Martha theriot – 72) 211/66 – tug. Has been renamed Achilles by AR Singh Contractors Ltd.,
St.Vincent and the Grenadines and transferred to Trinidad and Tabago registry.
Ocean Diver V, (Ocean Diver – 99; Matech Roxy – 94; F.S.Wade – 90), 565/69 – offshore supply. By
Oceaneering International Inc. USA to Associated Marine Services Ltd. Trinidad and Tabago and
renamed AMS Diver
Ocean King, 2264/99 – offshore tug/supply. By Dolphin Shipping Co.Pte. Ltd. Singapore to Edda King
KS marshall Islands and renamed Sagitario
Spica, (Vega – 01) 414/01 – tug. Has been renamed Altair by PI Transportes Maritimos Lda, Portugal
(MAR) and transferred to Italy Registry.
Sun Island, (Big Orange 26 – 00, Sun Island – 93) 849/90 – offshore tug/supply. By Atel Maritime
Investors III LP, to Atel Maritime Investors LP, both USA and renamed Cape Kala Kane.
Taurus, 452/00 – tug. Has been renamed Taur by Tripmare Srl, Portugal (MAR) and transferred to
Italy Registry.
Toisa Cougar (TNT Cougar – 90, SSS Foochow – 84), 1252/84 – offshor tug/supply. Has been
renamed Duniazad by Karan Shipping LLC, Comoros and transferred to St.Vincent and the
Grenadines Registry.
Toisa Petrel (Lynn Pelham – 91), 282/83 – offshore tug/supply. Has been renamed Dea Searcher by
Nomis Shipping Ltd. Bahamas
Toisa Plover (Veesea – 91, Kara Seal – 91) 288/79 – offshore tug/supply. By Naveiros Oceanicos SA
to Nomis Shipping Ltd., both Bahamas and renamed Dea Server
Toisa Puffin (Marsea One – 91) 282/80 – offshore supply. By Nomis Shipping Ltd to Nomis Offshore
Ltd, both Bahamas and renamed Dea Seeker.
Toisa Teal (Canmar Teal – 99) 516/81 – standby safety vessel. By Naveiros Oceanicos SA to Nomis
Shipping Ltd, both Bahamas and renamed Dea Scout
Toisa Widgeon (Canmar Widgeon – 90) 516/81 – standby safety vessel. By Naveiros Oceanicos SA
to Nomis Shipping Ltd, both Bahamas and renamed Dea Sailor
Members Reports
Honce 358/02 – tug was reported at Dunkirk as Temeraire during 4/2005.
Portsmouth 198/76 – tug was renamed Norwegian Sea (USA) prior to 29/3/2005
Casualties
Viking Mull (BUE Mull – 04, Sceptre Tide – 99, Hornbeck Sceptre – 95, Salgado – 90) 844/80 –
offshore supply/standby vessel, owned by BUE Viking Ltd. UK Fire broke out 6/4/2005 following an
explosion in the engine-room whilst berthed at Leith Docks. Severe damage was caused to the
starboard main engine.
Demolitions
Elde (El – 93, Elde – 90) 138/54 – tug, By Hendrik van Lint, Honduras, to Treffers Netherlands, and
reported awaiting demolition at Haarlem 4/2005.
Duke of Normandie
De nieuwe naam van de DUKE OF NORMANDY, die volgens de aflevering van een nieuw DUKER
OF NORMANDY door Damen vorig maand aan Sinbad Marine te Killybegs in Ierland was verkocht, is
NOMAD. (Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Four New Tugs to Boost AMNAV’s Fleet
7/7/05 8:09:44 AM In a commitment to significantly enhance services to its customers, and to expand its
ship-assist capabilities at California’s largest ports, AMNAV Maritime Services will construct four new
tugs that will be among the most powerful in the marketplace. The multi-million dollar fleet expansion
was announced by Milton Merritt, president of the company that is already a major provider of shipdocking
services on San Francisco Bay and at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. “Through
this investment, we will be both growing and improving our presence in the ship-assist sector,” said
Merritt. “We are looking forward to our expanded capabilities and to providing our customers with the
best in service.” AMNAV, part of Seattle-based Marine Resources Group (MRG), will build the new
tugs at an MRG-owned shipyard in Rainier, Oregon. The “Dolphin-Class” tugs will be 78 feet long and
will pack 5,080 horsepower, enough to handle a wide range of ships, including new-generation Post-
Panamax and Ultra-Large Container Vessels. The tugs will be powered by twin Caterpillar engines
linked to azimuthing stern drives, also known as “Z-drives,” manufactured by Rolls-Royce. “In addition
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
to being among the industry’s most powerful ship-assist tugs, they will also be among the greenest,”
Merritt said. “The engines will be certified under the low-emission standards of the International
Maritime Organization (IMO) and EPA,” he noted, adding that AMNAV also has upgraded a number of
its existing tugs with IMO-certified engines. “We are committed to exercising good environmental
stewardship as well as exploring new and innovative ways of conservation,” Merritt said. As for the
timing of the new-construction program, Merritt said it will enable AMNAV to keep pace with customers
bringing ever-larger ships into the fast-growing trans-Pacific trade. “The trade is booming.” Merritt
declared, “The trend toward bigger ships is growing, and that means we need more horsepower to
handle them.” The new boats are expected to be in service by early next year. (Bron: Marinelink)
Smitwijs Singapore Reports
Zoals de meeste al wel weten zijn we onderweg van Rotterdam naar New Orleans om daar een
droogdokje voor Bremerhaven op te halen. Zijn op de 25e juni vertrokken na een 2 weken repareren
in Schiedam en mochten ook nog even twee keer bij het nieuwe Smit kantoor aan de Waalhaven
liggen Er is buiten reparatie aan de motoren ook werk verricht aan een 'nieuw' computer netwerk en
de Sat B is vervangen door een Sat F, met daar aan gekoppeld ook een nieuw email programma.
Momenteel liggen we wat te drijven net noord van de Bahamas, wachten op de orkaan Dennis, die als
we door waren gevaren net samen met ons in de westelijke aanloop van Straat Florida zou zitten en
daar voelden we niet veel voor. Het ziet er naar uit dat we morgenochtend (zaterdag) weer door
kunnen gaan, Dennis is dan in de Golf van Mexico aan geland en we kunnen er wel achteraan gaan
varen. Zullen dan de 12e s'morgensvroeg bij de monding van de Mississippi zijn om daar de loods op
te gaan pikken. Dan is het nog ruim 100 mijl de rivier op voor we bij de Avondale Shipyard New
Orleans zijn, waar het dok op ons ligt te wachten. Als alles een beetje vlot verloopt kunnen we dan de
15e weer op weg gaan naar Bremerhaven, volgens de wet van meeden en perzen zouden we dan
zonder last van zusjes of broertjes van Dennis het eerste stuk wel zonder kleerscheuren door kunnen
komen. (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
Nautican integrated nozzle-and-rudder units
Foss Shipyard, Seattle, has completed the first installation of Nautican integrated nozzle-and-rudder
units on an oceangoing tug. The Hoku Ke'a, a 108'x34', 3,900-hp tug owned and operated by Foss
sister company Hawaiian Tug & Barge/Young Brothers Ltd., had been originally fitted with
conventional open propellers with single rudders. After installing Nautican's 112" high efficiency
nozzles with triple "shutter" rudders, the bollard pull increased from 88,853 lbs. to 132,810 lbs. The
retrofit also includes new 3-bladed, skewed propellers. With more pulling power, the tug will now be
able to take tandem tows or larger barges in rougher weather. During the run from Seattle back to
Hawaii, the Hoku Ke'a operated at a reduced rpm and still averaged close to 10 knots towing a
340'x78' barge, according to Foss. Foss' Rainier, Ore., shipyard on the Columbia River is nearing
completion of its second Dolphin-class tug, a Robert Allan Ltd. design. The first, the
78'x34' Mikioi, is working in Hawaii as part of the HTB/YB fleet. The second 78-footer will go to Foss'
Long Beach, Calif., operation. The new tug will be slightly more powerful than the Mikioi and will have
two below-deck staterooms. Construction of a third tug of the class has also begun. (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
Corning Townsend-designe
In late April, Horizon Maritime, Houston, took delivery of the first of a pair of Corning Townsenddesigned
76'x33'x9'7" towboats as part of a fleet expansion program. The new 2,000-hp boats will
increase the company's fleet to six. Each designed to push a pair of 30,000-bbl., 300'x54'x13' black
oil/asphalt barges, the new towboats are powered by twin Cummins KTA38-M1 diesels generating
1,000 hp each at 1,800 rpm. The hulls for both boats were built at Quality Shipyards LLC in Houma,
La., with the first boat, the Gemini, finished out at Main Iron Works, also in Houma. The second
towboat, the Argo, was finished at Sneed Shipbuilding in Houston. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Blessey
Blessey Marine Services, Harahan, La., has signed a contract with John Bludworth Shipyard LLC,
Corpus Chrisi, Texas, for the construction of a 110'x32'x11' inland pushboat. Main propulsion will be
provided by a pair of 1,600-hp Cummins KTA50-M2s turning 88"x68" stainless-steel propellers from
Sound Propeller. The unnamed pushboat will be similar to the Walter E. Blessey Jr., which was
designed and built by John Bludworth in 2002. Delivery is expected in April 2006. (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
New towboats for Golding Barge Line
In recent years, new inland towboat orders have primarily come from just a handful of operators,
including Blessey Marine, Eckstein Marine and Maryland Marine. Now, add Golding Barge Line Inc. to
the list. In January, the Vicksburg, Miss.-based inland operator placed the 3,000-hp Angie Golding into
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
service - its first owned and operated towboat. Built by Newsouth Marine Builders LLC, Greenville,
Miss., the 110'x32'x10'3" boat features a retractable pilothouse and a tunneled hull that increases fuel
efficiency up to 30 percent, according to Steve Golding, president of Golding Barge. The cost of the
boat was approximately $3 million.Golding, who sold his Ole Man River Towing Company to Kirby
Corp. in 1992, started Golding Barge Line in 2001 with a pair of tank barges. The company now has
33 double-skin tank barges, including three that were delivered in the first quarter. Thirteen of the
barges are 30,000-bbl. bottoms, all built at Jeffboat from 2001-2004, and 20 are 10,000- and 12,000bbl.
The average age of the barge fleet is only four years old. "We are now in the process of putting
our own boats out there," said Golding. "I am going with all new boats to go with all new barges. It's
building for the future." The company has been operating four chartered towboats. Golding's plans
include a pair of 2,600-hp towboats currently under construction at Quality Shipyards LLC in Houma,
La. After the two from Quality are delivered, Golding said he hopes to build one or two 2,000-hp
boats. "We will need more than the three. We will need to add more horsepower." Before deciding to
build new vessels, Golding first checked the used market. "We looked all over the market and found
that horsepower is very, very tight. It is extremely hard to find a good, used hull to modify and
refurbish. There are 30- to 35-year-old boats available [to refurbish] that were mediocre boats even
when new. We elected not to do this." Golding chose designer Tim Hovas, who founded Newsouth
Marine along with Joe Nichols, to build the Angie Golding after inspecting the yard's first boat,
the Marguerite L. Terral. The Angie is based on the same hull design. "Tim is a real quality
boatbuilder, a real perfectionist," Golding said. "We went on the boat, interviewed the pilothouse
personnel and got to see the design. We liked it, and decided to have him lengthen it from 103 feet to
110 feet. The tunneled hull is a work of art, it really is." The steel boat is powered by a pair of
Caterpillar 3512B-II engines each producing 1,500 hp at 1,600 rpm. The engines turn 4-bladed,
84"x67", stainless-steel wheels through Reintjes WAF-772 gears with 6.153:1 reduction ratios. The
combination gives the Angie a design speed of 8 knots. The boat features a full Furuno electronics
suite and a Capn Voyager electronic charting system. Ship's service power is provided by a John
Deere 6068 engine that drives a Marathon 99kw generator. The boat has tankage for 34,000 gals. of
fuel, 13,000 gals. water, 1,400 gals. gear oil, and 1,400 gals. lube oil. The 94-foot, 2,600-hp steel
towboats currently underway at Quality, the Nathan Golding and the John Reid Golding, are identical
except for two items - the Nathan has a retractable wheelhouse and a 28' beam while the John Reid is
a conventional design with a 30' beam. The Corning Townsend-designed boats both have a depth of
10' and an 8' draft. And like the Angie Golding, both will be outfitted with a pair of Cat 3512B engines.
The boats will be delivered in mid-December. "We asked Quality to incorporate some of the same
features as the Angie," said Golding. "They gave us more tunneling than on a stock boat." With the
new boats, Golding expects to double the number of employees from 25 to 50 by next spring. (Bron:
Jan van der Doe)
Smit-Lloyd 62
PSV Guardsman (ex SL 62) verkocht Brazil (Navigationale Sao Miguel) (Bron: Willem v.d.Kort)
Chiefton
John Evelegh heeft de Chiefton (ex. Chief-04, ex. Filip- ?) (550 apk, 72/30) verkocht aan Baker (ik ben
niet zeker of dit Mike Baker is, die de CHIEF eens had, of G. Baker Marine Ltd, dat is zijn zoon). Van
Baker heefd John Evelegh nu de KAPITÄN ENGLER (1050 apk, 145/65) gekocht.. (Bron: Lawrence
Amboldt)
Met de Giant 3 op stap.
Zoals jullie nog wel weten heb ik in Batam de Giant 3 geladen met equipment van “van Oord.” Deze
lading moest naar Tartan Street om een pijpleiding aan te gaan leggen tussen het eiland Sakhalin en
de vaste wal. Op de 1st mei vertrok de Giant 3 aan de tros van de ‘Smit Luzon” (Smit-Lloyd 117)
richting de noord naar Sakhalin. Op de dag van dit vetrek kwam gelijktijdig de Giant 2 binnen na een
contract in West Africa. Zij werd gesleept door de Simoon. Na het binnen brengen ben ik nog even in
Batam gebleven voor wat reparaties aan de Giant 2. Hierna terug naar Nederland. De Smit Luzon
had een snelle reis gemaakt en zodoende moest ik alweer op 28 mei vertrekken. Vanaf Rotterdam via
London en Moskou kwam ik op zondagmiddag in Sakhalin aan. De Smit Luzon arriveerde dezelfde
dag te Korsokov. Na een twee dagen moeizaam gestoei met paspoorten en nog wat van dat soort
papier geneuzel mochten mijn collega en ik dan eindelijk, met een gezellige busreis naar Korsokov.
Opnieuw weer gesputter van autoriteiten, doch uiteindelijk na 2 en half uur wachten op de kade
konden we naar de Smit Luzon. Het duurde nog eens een volle week voordat de Luzon met haar
vrachtje de G3 naar de noord kon scharrelen. Mist en nog eens mist. Temperatuur nog geen 8
graden. De Filipijnse bemanning hadden het niet meer van ellende. Het was voor hun doen toch wel
zo’n graad of 20 onder het vriespunt. Extra heaters in de hutten om hun tere lichaampjes warm te
houden. Uiteindelijk dan toch gearriveerd op locatie. De zeevasten losgebrand en na twee dagen kon
eindelijk de Giant 3 worden gelost. Een lichte nevelige dag, doch windstil. Alles verliep vlotjes. Om
06.00 begonnen met afzinken en rond 14.00 konden we de Giant 3 weer naar boven brengen. De
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
volgende morgen om 04.00 was het karwei geklaard. We konden terug naar de Luzon. Hierna nog
een eind controle door van Oord en om 07.00 op weg naar Kolmsk. Na dik twee dagen stomen,
konden we daar uitklaren. Dit ging opnieuw op z’n Russisch. Om 12.00 voor anker en gelukkig ’s
avonds om 19.00 konden we dan vertrekken naar Wakkenai – Japan. Deze noordelijke Japanse
plaats werd de andere dag aangelopen. ’s-Middags rond 17.00 lagen we keurig afgemeerd.
Afgesproken was de Giant 3 te ballasten gelijk met de kade hoogte. Dat werd dan ook de volgende
dag verwezenlijkt. Nu kon van Oord met haar subcontractor een coming op het dek gaan installeren.
Het lag in de bedoeling dat de Giant 3 een betonnen dek kreeg. Zij zou steentjes gaan vervoeren naar
een locatie aan de andere kant van het eiland Sakhalin. De steentje zouden worden bestemd voor het
afdekken van een pijpleiding. Het storten zou verzorgd worden door, heel toepasselijk, de Jan Steen.
Ik ben voordat de verbouwing klaar was naar huis gegaan. Hier kon ik genieten van een lekkere
vakantie in Nederland. Nou ja. Lekker. De eerste week ging wel, maar de tweede week ben ik bruin
geworden van het roestwater. Afgelopen week weer de draad opgepakt op kantoor. En nu dus weer
de nieuwsbrief. (Bron: Hans van der Ster)
Svitzer Menja
Bij Baltija Shipyard, Klaipeda is in april 2005 (of eerder) onder bouwnummer 710 de Svitzer Menja
tewatergelaten, 385 brt. (Bron: Jaap Bijl)
Smit Bronco
De eerste nieuwe uit de B-serie van drie voor Smit Transport zal de Smit Bronco worden. (Bron:
Maarten Meeuwisse)
BP Assessing Damage to Thunder Horse Platform
7/12/05 10:41:35 AM BP confirmed that the Thunder Horse semi-submersible platform, located in
Mississippi Canyon Block 778 in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, 150 miles southeast of New Orleans,
is listing following the passing of Hurricane Dennis. Early reports confirmed that the platform is listing
an estimated 20 - 30 degrees. The Thunder Horse field is in development and has not yet begun
production of hydrocarbons. The situation was discovered at approximately 8:30 a.m. Monday
morning by a vessel in the area. The cause is unknown. The Thunder Horse platform had been
evacuated of all personnel on Friday in anticipation of the hurricane's approach. At this time there has
been no known release of any fuel or hazardous substances. BP immediately activated its Incident
Command structure, notified the appropriate regulatory agencies including the U.S. Minerals
Management Service (MMS) and the U.S. Coast Guard, and conducted over flights to further assess
the extent of the damage. At this time BP is mobilizing a number of response vessels to the Thunder
Horse location and working with the Coast Guard to create a response plan. The first priority will be to
safely board the vessel for a further assessment of its stability and to begin investigating potential
causes of the issue. BP and the Coast Guard are collaborating to establish a Unified Command in
Morgan City, Louisiana. (Bron: Marinelink)
T&T Bisso Responds to BP Thunder Horse
7/14/05 11:03:48 AM T&T BISSO has been mobilized to the
disabled BP THUNDERHORSE semi-submersible in
Mississippi Canyon area Block 776, to begin the salvage
operations. T&T BISSO responded rapidly and was on
location within four hours after the first call for assistance.
Currently the dewatering operation is underway. T&T
BISSO is an alliance between T&T MARINE SALVAGE of
Galveston, TX, and BISSO MARINE CO. of New Orleans,
LA, the alliance was formed to offer the maritime and oilfield
industries a full service salvage and firefighting option
located locally in the Gulf of Mexico, T&T BISSO together
possess 165 years of industry experience. T&T BISSO also
offer OPA 90 coverage worldwide. (Bron: Marinelink)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 21
dd. 24 Juli 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Tugspotters en het Nationaal Sleepvaart Museum
Iedereen die professioneel of als liefhebber zich met de sleepvaart verbonden voelt kent de site
“Tugspotters”. In een recordtijd is een regelmatig bezoek aan deze site voor velen een automatisme
geworden, omdat er heel veel informatie te vinden is over de dagelijkse activiteiten in de bedrijfstak.
Talloze amateur-fotografen, daarbij geholpen door de moderne digitale technieken, leveren trouw,
snel en belangeloos hun bijdragen, hetgeen door de site-bezoekers bijzonder wordt gewaardeerd.
Tugspotters is actueel, zeer actueel zelfs, maar besteedt ook aandacht aan het recente verleden,
getuige het fotoalbum, het forum en de archieven met nieuws. Het verre verleden, ver voor het digitale
tijdperk, is echter een wat onderbelichte periode op de site Daar blijken het Nationaal Sleepvaart
Museum te Maassluis en Tugspotters elkaar van dienst te kunnen zijn. Het museum beschikt over
duizenden foto’s, die momenteel door de museumstaf worden ingescand. Daarnaast is er in Maassluis
een schat aan gegevens in de vorm van oude krantenartikelen, complete series journalen,
bergingsrapporten en jaargangen tijdschriften van velerlei herkomst. Een bespreking tussen een
bestuursdelegatie van het museum en de beheerders/initiatiefnemers van de site heeft tot resultaat
gehad dat het museum met enige regelmaat oude sleepvaartgebeurtenissen in Tugspotters voor het
voetlicht zal halen. Dat zal gebeuren in de vorm van een kort verhaal met uiteraard een aantal
illustratieve foto’s. Dat is reclame voor het museum en het vult tegelijkertijd een kleine leemte op in de
site. De beheerders van Tugspotters zijn in voorkomende gevallen bereid makers van actuele foto’s te
benaderen om hun platen in een hogere resolutie aan het museum te mailen, zodat ze bij exposities
kunnen worden gebruikt. Dat zal niet zo erg vaak voorkomen, maar de actualiteit is nu eenmaal de
geschiedenis van morgen en een goed museum houdt daar rekening mee. De museumstaf hoopt dat
u in dit soort gevallen zich ruimhartig wilt opstellen. Voor de volledigheid geven we u graag even
inzicht in de plannen van het museum voor de nabije toekomst. Tot en met 11 september is er nog de
tentoonstelling over de berging van de autocarrier Tricolor te zien. Op 24 september a.s. wordt de
expositie “ Slepers van de werven” geopend. Deze tentoonstelling geeft een beeld van sleepboten die
eigendom van een werf waren of, hoewel steeds minder in aantal, nog steeds zijn. Ook het werk dat
sommige sleepdiensten (bijna) exclusief voor werven deden komt aan bod. Volgend jaar bestaat het
sleepvaart- en bergingsbedrijf Wijsmuller, thans in de vorm van Svitzer Wijsmuller, honderd jaar!
Natuurlijk zal daar uitgebreid aandacht voor zijn. Tenslotte hebben we plannen om daarna een
tentoonstelling te wijden aan sleepboten, die in het baggerbedrijf hun werk deden en nog steeds doen.
Er staat dus heel wat op het programma. Diegenen die meer willen weten of suggesties hebben voor
de exposities in de vorm van foto’s of scheepsmodellen kunnen altijd contact opnemen met het
museum, liefst per e-mail onder info@nationaalsleepvaartmuseum.nl Om u alvast een beetje in de
sfeer te brengen verluchtigen wij dit keer het introductie-artikel over de samenwerking
Tugspotters/NSM met een aantal foto’s van de Maassluise haven uit het grijze verleden. In de eerste
stad aan de Waterweg worden plannen ontwikkeld om van Maassluis weer een echte
sleepboothaven te maken. De Elbe en de Furie, zijn er al, de Hudson komt regelmatig. Contacten met
de beheerders van andere slepers zijn gelegd. Het museum is blij met de initiatieven en ondersteunt
de plannen van harte. (Bron: Nico Ouwehand)
Olieplatform is weer boven water
Rotterdam - Thunder Horse, het 1 miljard dollar kostende boorplatform van olieconcern BP, is weer
boven water. De bergers van Smit en BP hebben het platform in de Golf van Mexico nu ruim vier
meter boven de waterspiegel getrokken zonder dat de stabiliteit van het platform in gevaar is
gekomen. Het grootste deel van het water is uit het platform verdwenen. ,,De Thunder Horse hing
negentien graden scheef','' zegt een BP-woordvoerder. ,,Dat is nu teruggebracht tot vijf graden. De
bergers zijn nog druk aan het werk, maar we verwachten snel de laatste stap te kunnen zetten.'' Het
platform werd ernstig beschadigd door de tropische storm Dennis. Dat ontdekten BP-werknemers een
week geleden toen een schip hen terugbracht naar het platform. Vanwege de naderende storm had
het olieconcern zijn werknemers geëvacueerd. Donderdagnacht sloten het Britse BP en de bergers
van Smit uit Rotterdam een contract om het platfom vlot te trekken. ,,Maar de bergers van Smit waren
al van het begin af aan bij deze operatie betrokken,'' zegt de BP-woordvoerder. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Vroon Offshore Services takes delivery of diving support vessel
Vroon Offshore Services has announced that it has taken delivery of a DPII Diving Support Vessel,
which has been named VOS Sympathy (ex-Searanger). The vessel is presently completing upgrading
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
and trials in Singapore, and will be repositioned to Europe where it is expected to commence
operations in the second half of July. Vroon Offshore Services says it plans to grow its diving support
activities, and has one new building on order for delivery in 2006 at the AGB Yard in India. (Bron:
Shipping News)
Halul takes delivery of anchor handler
Gulf Times reports that Halul Offshore Services has taken delivery of the anchor-handling tug MV
Amber. The vessel is scheduled to start working for Total E & P Qatar shortly. The vessel is owned by
CH offshore in Singapore, with whom Halul has an agreement to market its vessels in the region.
(Bron: Shipping News)
New name confirmed for standby vessel company
The largest operator of dedicated safety standby vessels in the North Sea has confirmed that it has
undergone a name change.Aberdeen-based BUE Viking has become known as Viking Offshore
Services Limited, reflecting a shareholding change in the business last year. An extensive rebranding
exercise is being undertaken by the company, which has 37 vessels. Viking Offshore Services chief
executive Graham Philip said: "The change of company name effectively represents the start of a new
era for the business. We operate successfully in a highly competitive sector, and to sustain that it is
important we have aclear and distinctive brand to represent our qualities and values in the market
place." "Our name is changing but our commitment to providing a quality service for our many
customers in the North Sea and a safe working environment for our crews remains," said Philip. The
new name comes in the wake of the acquisition by Viking Supply Ships of BUE Marine's 50 per cent
shareholding in BUE Viking last year. All vessels are being re-painted, in a rolling programme, in the
traditional Viking Supply Ships colours of yellowand black and will be renamed to start with the prefix
'Viking'. BUE Viking was formed in September 2002 through the merger of the standby vessel
operations of BUE Marine and Viking Supply Ships. The latter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oslobased
investment company Kistefos AS. (Bron: Shipping News)
Panagiotakis Star sold
Rederi AB Nestor (a subsidiary of Marine Carrier AB) of Pitea, Sweden purchased the 8400 BHP,
ocean twin screw tug, 'Panagiotakis Star' (ex-Anglian Duke, Endurance, Azzurro Primo, Maersk
Blower) from Megalohari Offshore Actividades Maritimas Lda of Madeira, Portugal. The Lloyds
+100A1 classed, 154' x 40' x 19.'6 tug, had been on charter to a third party in the Mediterranean until
just before the hand-over in Italy. Current Owners have renamed the tug 'Hercules'. The tug was built
in the Odense Shipyard in Denmark in 1977. New Owners will take advantage of her Ice
Class 3 rating and employ her in the towing of deck barges in the Baltic region. This is the first tug sold
to this Buyer, who has purchased 300' x 90' and a 400' x 100' deck barges through Marcon
International in the last two years. In this transaction, Marcon represented the Buyers and Marina
Vernicos of Byron Vernicos Ltd. represented Sellers. This is the 31st sale or charter brokered by
Marcon in 2005. Ten additional sales are expected to conclude within the next 30 days. (Bron:
Shipping News)
KST Sedna
KST Sedna is in 2005 overgedragen aan Smit International Bahamas Ltd., Nassau en herdoopt SMIT
Abaco. (Bron: Leon de Hoop)
Sun Mercia
Sun Mercia is in juli 2005 herdoopt Adsteam Mercia. (Bron: Leon de Hoop)
MCD Divers
MCD Divers, Plymouth heefd de OLIVER FELIX (ex. Polgarth-90) aangekocht. (Bron: Lawrence
Amboldt)
Aandeelhouders SMITWIJS TOWAGE besluiten door te gaan
Beide aandeelhouders, Smit Internationale NV (50%) en SvitzerWijsmuller (50%) maken bekend dat
zij gezamenlijk hebben besloten door te gaan met de joint venture op het gebied van de zeesleepvaart
en dat zij ernaar streven marktleider te blijven. Vanaf 29 augustus zal, vanwege het bereiken van de
pensioengerechtigde leeftijd, Managing Director Aart Brand de joint venture verlaten. Langs deze weg
willen wij de heer Brand, die ruim 40 jaar voor zowel de SMIT organisatie als ook SmitWijs heeft
gewerkt, bedanken voor zijn inspanningen. De heer Brand zal tot het einde van dit jaar beschikbaar
blijven als Senior Advisor. De heer Brand zal worden opgevolgd door de heer Jord Veldman. De heer
Veldman is afkomstig van SvitzerWijsmuller waar hij thans als Regional Manager Americas werkzaam
is. De heer Hans van der Donck, General Manager van SmitWijs, zal zijn huidige werkzaamheden
blijven voortzetten.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Graag maken wij van deze gelegenheid gebruik onze klanten te bedanken voor hun vertrouwen en wij
open dat zij ons bij deze nieuwe start zullen blijven steunen. (Bron: Smit)
Smitwijs Singapore Reports
Zoals eerder al vermeld, zijn we s'avonds op de 12e juli bij het door ons te verslepen dok in New
Orleans aangekomen, de door ons meegebrachte spullen voor het dok daar aan boord gezet en
vervolgens er vlak voor tegen de kant. Doordat het dok nog 'lang' niet klaar was hebben we daar
rustig liggen wachten tot wij aan de slag konden met ons materiaal. Op de 20e en de 21e konden we
pas aan de slag en zouden de 22e kunnen vertrekken, ware het niet dat er weer sprake was van een
orkaan(tje) bij de Bahamas, heb toen het vertrek 12 uur uitgesteld, om meer te weten te komen over
de latere Franklin. Afgelopen vrijdag net na de middag zijn we dan werkelijk vertrokken. Het dok was
wat extra geballast in verband met de passage van de eerste brug die we tegen zouden komen. Het is
gelukt zonder schade, in tegenstelling tot het binnen brengen van het dok, ongeveer 20 jaar geleden,
die keer is de brug geraakt. Na een saai en probleemloos stukje varen op de Mississippi (110 mijl),
zaten we zaterdag net na de middag weer op zee. Het weer is mooi, wel erg heet, vandaar dat hier in
de buurt de orkaantjes als warme broodjes uit de lucht komen vallen. Zitten nu weer tussen twee van
die apparaten in, Franklin noordoost van de Bahamas en Gert bij Tuxpan in Mexico, verwacht er geen
of nauwelijks last van te zullen krijgen. Wind en weder dienende zullen we dan zo rond de 21e
augustus bij Bremerhaven aankomen. En dan na een dag of twee voor het verzamelen van ons
materiaal is het de bedoeling dat we weer naar 'ons dorp' gaan om maar weer wat reparaties uit te
voeren, het zal wel voor de deur van Wartsila / Schiedam worden. (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
Towing company not liable for unseaworthiness of barge
7/21/05 12:34:27 PM In a short unpublished decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled
that a towing company is not liable for personal injuries caused by any unseaworthiness of a barge
being towed by the company where the towing company does not own the barge. In the instant case,
an employee of the towing company was injured when he slipped on ice on the barge. The employee
sued his employer, alleging unseaworthiness. The court held that, under a contract for towage, the
towing company does not become the owner pro hac vice of the barge. Coakley v. SeaRiver Maritime,
Inc., No. 04-30569 (5th Cir., HK Law). (Bron: Marinelinkt)
ITB Grounding
PORT ARTHUR, Texas – Investigators from Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Port Arthur are
monitoring the grounding of the Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) Mobile approximately 1.5 miles south
of the Sabine Jetties here. No injuries were reported, and initial inspections of the 691-foot U.S.flagged
ITB have found no flooding, loss of cargo or fuel. Mobile’s owner, ITB Mobile LLC, has made
an attempt to remove the ship from its hard-aground position without success. Additional tug boats are
being called to the scene to assist with the removal operation and are expected to be on scene. The
vessel is not obstructing navigation, and the port remains open to traffic. Mobile was en route to Ft.
Lauderdale, Fla., with approximately 330,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel fuel at the time of the
grounding. An ITB is a barge that is pushed by a tug boat that has been specifically designed for that
barge (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Newbuild reported by Offshore Shipbrokers Ltd.
Seatankers has been very active over the last few weeks by declared two options at ABG Shipyard to
build an additional two AHTS of 6,500BHP. They have also placed an order with Cochin Shipyard to
built four plus four UT755L PSV’s with the first vessel due to deliver August 2006 and an order at Jaya
Singapore for two large AHTS. It will be interesting to see what Seatankers eventually do with the
large number of vessels that they have under contract. (Bron: OSL)
Ostenjo has placed an order with Astilleros Gonday yard Spain for a PSV of the new TY216 design.
The vessel will deliver in March 2007. (Bron: OSL)
Second hand
AHTS Normand Titan(Blt.1985 – 12600BHP) and Normand Trym(Blt.1984 – 12720BHP) have been
sold in an enbloc deal for a price of about NOK 160,000,000 to a new partnership with current owners
Solstad retaining 30% of the equity. Delivery will be during June with the deal giving Solstad a
reported book gain of approximately NOK 100,000,000. (Bron: OSL)
AHTS Kundasang (Blt.1984 – 7,000BHP) has been sold to Middle East Buyers on private terms.
(Bron: OSL)
PSV Guardsman (Blt.1979 – 4200BHP) that has been operating in Brazil for some time has been sold
to the local managers (Navigationale Sao Miguel). (Bron: OSL)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
AHTS Maersk Trinity(Blt.1983 –10880BHP) has been sold to MISR Gulf Shipping. Whilst no price
has been reported the asking price in 2004 was USD 6,500,000. (Bron: OSL)
AHT Panagiotakis Star ex Maersk Blower (Blt.1977 – 8400 BHP) has been purchased by Marine
Carriers Sweden with prompt delivery. The tug will be renamed Hercules and used to tow the owners
own cargo barge, mainly in the Baltic. Sales price is reported to be in the region of USD 2,000,000.
(Bron: OSL)
DSV’s Miss Marie and Miss Clementine (Blt.1998) have been sold for a price in the region of USD
11 million each. (Bron: OSL)
AHTS Camogli Due(Blt.1973 – 3600BHP) has been sold to Middle East Operators on private terms.
The vessels has delivered and has been renamed Mahra VI. (Bron: OSL)
Seabreeze June reports
Brazilian Breakthrough
Norwegian shipbuilder Ulstein has sold two packages for its P106 PSV’s to Companhia Brasileira de
Offshore (CBO) to be built at the Ebin shipyard in Rio. The vessels come in two different versions
based on the same design. The first one primarily for transporting diesel oil while the second will be
used for general transportation purposes to oil installations on the Brazilian shelf. They will take about
two years to complete. Main particulars: L.O.A. 74.3 metres, breadth 16 metres and a load capacity of
1,500 tons on the 700 square metres deck. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Even More For Kleven
Norwegian Kleven Verft has secured the third contract in a row of deliveries of the VS 470 MK II
design for an undisclosed European owner. The vessel will be delivered in March 2006 and has a
contract value of 130 million NOK. With this new contract the company’s three yards have an order
backlog of 13 vessels at a value of 3.0 billion NOK. The hull of the 73,4 metres long PSV with a cargo
capacity of 3,500 tonnes and developed by Vik Sandvik is already under construction in Poland.
Outfitting will take place at Myklebust Verft. (Bron: Seabreeze)
SIEM In Deeper Waters
SIEM have signed contracts for a new-build rigid pipelay and construction vessel following a medium
to long term market assessment. SIEM expect the overall demand to grow and the development in the
deeper waters will constitute a significant portion of such growth, particularly in West Africa and Brazil.
The overall project cost is in the USD 180-200 million range and based on fixed prices from the
shipyard and equipment supplier. The vessel, 157m long and 28.4m wide will have a top tension
capability of 300 tons, upgradeable to around 400 tons and a storage capacity of 3,500 tons of steel
pipe on the main reel. Other features include a 400 t deepwater crane, builtin deepwater ROV spread
and comprehensive survey system. The vessel is also able to install flexible flow lines and umbilicals
and is expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2007. (Bron: Seabreeze)
VLCC = FPSO
The Singapore yard Keppel has signed an agreement with CDC (ABN Amro Brazil) for the conversion
of the VLCC Settobello into a floating production unit. The project includes the fabrication and
installation of the internal turret. When completed the turret with 75 risers will be the largest ever built
in the world. The FPU will be named PETROBRAS 53 (P-53) and will be completed by the end of
2006. The facility will then be towed to a CDC topside contractor yard in Brazil for installation and
integration of the topside modules. Petrobras SA will then charter the P-53 from CDC for the Marlim
Leste field in the Campos Basin. To be installed at 1,080 metres water depth, P-53’s capacity will
include processing up to 180,000 bopd, and gas compression capability of 6 million cubic metres per
day. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Esmeralda…That Rings A Bell ( Groan! –Ed.)
Gulf Offshore have announced they will manage the Ultrapetrol owned VS 4408 PSV UP Esmeralda.
The vessel delivered from the Jinling shipyard in China in late May and is due to arrive in Aberdeen in
mid July at which point it (she? – Ed.) will work on the spot market. Main details include a L.O.A. of
84.6m, GRT of 2900 tonnes, deck area of 840m2 and large underdeck capacity. Picture hopefully to
follow in next month’s edition. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Eidesvik’s Latest Sea God
Eidesvik newbuild VS 470 MK II PSV Viking Thaumas delivered from the Norwegian Westcon AS yard
around the time of going to press. Details of her spec. include deck area of circa 620 m2 deck, 4,900
BHP and extensive segregated underdecks and lines. The name derives from Greek mythology:
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Thaumas was the brother of Nereus (Remember Eidesvik’s other recent newbuild Viking Nereus?)
and was one of the Sea Gods (the Greek word Thaumatos means a miracle or wonder, so Thaumas
represented all the sea-born wonders, according to www.theol.com enough of the history lesson -
Ed.). We at Seabreeze are sure the Viking Thaumas will live up to the lofty credentials associated with
the name! Picture courtesy Eidesvik (Bron: Seabreeze)
Mary Sounds Sweet
Otto Candies Inc. PSV Emily Candies (pictured right in an earlier unfinished state) has delivered from
the Houma yard, Louisiana, America and after undergoing sea trials should now be available for
charter in the Gulf of Mexico. The sister vessel Celia Candies is expected to deliver around September
next year from the same yard (Bron: Seabreeze)
Chouest Push Our Buttons
Edison Chouest newbuild PSV Dionne Chouest delivered from the Houma shipyard as well this
month. The vessel (the third Edison Chouest vessel to bear this name) was christened by Dionne
Chouest, the company’s corporate lawyer, who also happens to be the daughter of Gary Chouest
(company president). Details of the vessel include L.OA. of 280 feet, large underdeck capacity,
methanol capacity and a few other interesting features including different textures for different control
buttons so that in an emergency, with the lights knocked out, the correct buttons will still be pressed.
The Dionne Chouest has just begun a charter with Chevron Texaco and is expected to remain in the
Gulf of Mexico. This pic taken from www.houmatoday.com (JONATHAN COHEN/THE COURIER).
(Bron: Seabreeze)
Toulouse Est Formidable!
Rigdon Marine christened their new GPA 640 PSV Toulouse in June. The vessel (pictured left c/o
Rigdon Marine) is the ninth of the ten GPA 640 designs that have been ordered from the Bender
shipyard in America. The tenth and last vessel is called the Esplanade and Seabreeze will be on hand
to bring you the latest pictures in the coming months. (Bron: Seabreeze)
Voith Voyages
The Norwegian owner Østensjø Rederi AS has developed a new advanced PSV design together with
Skipsteknisk AS which features Voith Schneider propulsion. It will be the first PSV fitted with this kind
of propulsion developed by Voith Turbo Marine GmbH. It provides the vessel with excellent steering
and positioning capabilities and will reduce the effects of high seas on the ship which is particularly
important during loading and unloading operations. The vessel is to be delivered by the Spanish yard
Astilleros Gondan in March 2007. (Bron: Seabreeze)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 22
dd. 31 Juli 2005
___________________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Tidewater to Sell Six AHTS'
7/25/05 3:50:16 PM Tidewater announced the pending sale of six of its KMAR 404 class of Anchor
Handling Towing Supply vessels to Deep Sea Supply ASA for a total cash price of $188 million. All
conditions precedent to close, including the receipt by Tidewater of a non-refundable 10% deposit and
the deposit by the purchaser of the balance of the purchase price into an escrow account, have been
completed and the transaction is expected to close shortly. The culmination of this transaction will
result in an approximate $65.9 million pre-tax financial gain, or approximately $42.8 million after tax, or
$.74 per common share. The transaction will result in an approximate $112 million taxable gain, but no
cash taxes will be due because of the availability of net operating loss carryforwards. The sales
agreement also provides the Company an opportunity, for an extended period of time, to operate the
six vessels on behalf of the new owners for a fixed fee per vessel per day. The Company expects to
use a portion of the proceeds of the sale to repay $95 million of borrowings currently outstanding
under the Company's revolving credit agreement. Tidewater Inc. owns and operates over 560 vessels,
the world's largest fleet of vessels serving the global offshore energy industry. (Bron: Marinelink)
Cargo Removed from Grounded ITB
7/25/05 9:02:43 AM PORT ARTHUR, Texas - Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Port Arthur is monitoring
the grounding of the Integrated Tug and Barge (ITB) Mobile approximately one mile south of the
Sabine Jetties here. The 691-foot ITB carrying approximately 330,000 barrels of gasoline and diesel
fuel went aground early last Wednesday (July 20, 2005) morning. There have been no injuries or
pollution reported as a result of this grounding. The Mobile is hard aground and was unable to be
removed by ocean-going tug boats earlier in the week. The Coast Guard is working with Mobile’s
owners, ITB Mobile LLC, and other agencies to commence a cargo removal operation in order to refloat
the Mobile. Cargo removal operations are expected to commence soon. An independent survey
conducted by American Bureau of Shipping found no structural damage to the Mobile. The Mobile is
not obstructing navigation, and the port remains open to traffic. An ITB is a barge that is pushed by a
tug boat, which has been specifically designed for the barge. When the two units are connected, the
entire unit functions as a ship. The cause of this incident is under investigation. (Bron: Marinelink)
Multraship buys Bulgarian Towage Company
7/26/05 9:20:25 AM Multraship Towage & Salvage has
purchased Bulgarian towage and salvage operator Bourgas
Tug Services. BTS provides harbor towage, local salvage
and line handling services in and around the Bulgarian port
of Bourgas. It has a fleet of four tugboats ranging from
1,500 - 4,300 bhp and fifty employees. Leendert Muller,
managing director of Multraship said, "This is an important
step for Multraship in developing our presence in the Black
Sea. We have been active in the region since opening
offices in Bulgaria and Romania 2000 and we believe the
combination of our expertise and local assets can bring
substantial benefits to shipowners using the Black Sea ports. Multraship's permanent presence in the
region will considerably enhance the professional towage and salvage capacity in an area with
growing shipping and other marine operations and will therefore contribute significantly towards the
safety of navigation in the Black Sea region." Multraship is a leading independent Dutch towage and
salvage company. It operates and manages a fleet of 26 tugs, salvage vessels, floating sheerlegs and
other craft. (Bron: Marinelink)
Lawrence Amboldt reports Multraship
Intussen heb ik de bevestiging dat de Multratug 5 aan de havenauthoriteiten van Pointe Noire
(Congo) is verkocht.
Multraship heeft de vloot van Bourgas Tug Service in Bulgije gekocht. Hierbij zijn de volgende namen
aan de sleepboten gegeven:
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Multratug 21 ex. Agonistis, 1,315 bhp. 63/73, O/N 295
Multratug 22 ex. Atlas Z, 2,024 bhp. 94/01, O/N 294, call sign LZRD
Multratug 23 ex.Sanmar X, 2,027 bhp., 78/01, O/N 297, call sign LZRG
Multratug 24 ex. Nearchos, 3,834 bhp., 158/01, O/N 296, call sign LZRC
Van de redactie Hans van der Ster: Op de website www.bourgastugservice.com kunt u de gegevens
van de schepen vinden. Ook zijn hier wat plaatjes bij geplaatst
Grounded Ship to be Dislodged off of Hawaii
7/25/05 9:04:51 AM HONOLULU - The Unified Command continues to monitor the 145-foot motor vessel
Casitas that ran aground at Pearl and Hermes Atoll, 86 miles east southeast of Midway Atoll on July
2nd. Preparations are now underway to extract the Casitas from the reef with what is hoped to be
minimal environmental damage. Significant planning has been undertaken to ensure the safety of the
people involved and to protect the ecological resources of the area. Pearl and Hermes Atoll is part of
the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is an important seabird and green sea turtle nesting
ground, Hawaiian monk seal pupping site, home to endangered Laysan finches, and the site of more
than 183,000 acres of coral reefs in Refuge and State of Hawaii waters. In approving the extraction
plan, the Unified Command members acknowledged the difficulties facing the operation, which are
further complicated by its remote location. All parties agreed that it is important to make every effort to
remove the Casitas before it further damages the reef ecosystem. Metallic debris promotes the growth
of invasive algae species that can have devastating impacts on the coral reef community. The owner
of the Casitas has contracted with American Marine Corporation to extract the ship from the reef. The
American Contender and its 240-foot barge arrived at Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge from
Alaska on July 15. The barge will serve as the primary platform for the removal operations, in
conjunction with the tugs American Contender and American Quest. The American Emerald
arrived at Midway from Honolulu on Wednesday with a 140-foot barge carrying additional equipment
for the extraction. A berthing vessel, the motor vessel Condor, arrived recently at Midway. After
repositioning the equipment on the 240-foot barge, the American Contender will depart for Pearl and
Hermes Atoll to initiate phase three of the Unified Command’s operation plan. A detailed extraction
plan emphasizes employing a combination of strategies to minimize damage to the coral reef. The
plan first calls for divers to complete an underwater survey to assess damage to the hull of the Casitas
and to identify the best route for extraction. The American Marine workers plan to remove the sealed
55-gallon drums containing approximately 1,850 gallons of gasoline from the Casitas, as well as other
materials such as the marine debris collected before the ship went aground. The barge will be secured
by six anchors, which will be positioned in sand channels to the extent possible. Lines will be attached
to the Casitas so that it can be steadied. Patches will be applied to holes in the hull, and the water will
be pumped out of the compartments in an attempt to restore buoyancy and refloat the ship. Once
floating, the lines will be used to pull the Casitas off the reef. The onsite representatives of the Coast
Guard and owners, in consultation with the Unified Command, will assess whether the ship can be
towed back to Honolulu by the American Quest. If that is not feasible, the Quest will attempt to tow it to
an approved disposal site (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Supply Vessel “Ocean Dirk” gezonken
Op 23 juli 2005 om 14,45 uur is in positie 28.35-23N en 33.08-66E, zuid van Balayim Field, gezonken
het s/v Ocean Dirk. De Ocean Dirk is de voormalige Pacific Dirk, gebouwd in 1981 voor Swire Marine
Corp. En in management bij Swire Pacific Offshore Services Ltd. Zij is een Anchor Handling Tug
Supplier en ABS Class. Grt x DWT x NRT = 800 x 1063 x 399 en 4200 BHP met een BP van 52 ton.
Terwijl zij een snelheid van 13,5 knopen kon halen. L x B x D = 57,71 x 12,21 x 4,50. De oorzaak van
dit ongeval is mij nog niet bekend.(Bron: Hans van der Ster)
Smitwijs Rotterdam Reports
Vandaag een mooie gelegenheid om even wat over de reis die de Smitwijs Rotterdam aan het maken
is te vertellen terwijl we heden morgen over stuurboord op afstand de palm bomen waarnemen die
groeien op de eilanden groep die als een ring rond het "Hadhdhunmathee" Atoll ligt, dat zich in het
zuiden van de Malediven bevindt. Een beetje een onuitspreekbare naam, maar staat er in de kaart
geen Engelse vertaling bij vermeld, dus moeten we het hiermee doen. Wel een Engelse vertaling voor
"Huvadhoo Kandu", namelijk het "One and a half degree channel" waar de Smitwijs Rotterdam zich
ten tijde van dit schrijven, woensdag 27 juli 09:00 Lt met sleep in bevindt. Nadat we op 7 mei in
Gibraltar aan boord kwamen, zijn we daar vandaan met de losse boot via het Suez kanaal richting
Singapore gevaren al waar we enige tijd het nodige aan onderhoud hebben gepleegd alvorens onze
sleep daar arriveerde. Alvorens die sleep, de Atwood Southern Cross, een semi sub booreiland,
gereed was om te vertrekken, moest ook daar aan boord nog het nodige aan onderhoud en inspecties
worden verricht, wat op zaterdag 9 juli gecompleteerd werd. Vroeg in de middag van die zaterdag nog
even langszij het rig om personeel via de kraan er van over te zetten, en werden vervolgens de vier
ankers die het eiland uit had staan thuis gehaald. Wij mochten op de West Jurong Anchorage zelf nog
niet vast maken, en zo werd het booreiland met behulp van wat haven sleepboten van de anchorage
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
gesleept richting het Western Boarding Ground "A" loodsstation. Het had wat overreding nodig, maar
uiteindelijk hebben we dan ruim voor dat het loodsstation bereikt werd vast gemaakt, konden de
haven sleepboten bedankt worden, en vingen wij onze zee reis te 18:00 die middag aan. Niet het aller
plezierigste vooruitzicht om in deze tijd van het jaar de Indische Oceaan te doorkruisen in verband met
de juist in juli straf doorstaande zuid west moesson, maar werd het reis plan zodanig ontworpen dat
we er in ieder geval voor een gedeelte van de reis weinig last van zouden ondervinden. Nadat de
loods rond die 18:00 uur op zaterdagmiddag werd ontscheept werd koers gezet via "Malacca Strait"
en de "One Fathom Bank" naar Rondo eiland ten noord westen van Sumatra, een traject dat
voorspoedig verliep met prachtige weersomstandigheden, en vooral geen zeegang van betekenis.
Eenmaal uit de luwte van Sumatra kwam de oceaan deining dan toch wel doorzetten. En zo was het
na een periode stilliggen weer even wennen om alles aan boord vast te zetten. Dat slingeren heeft
dan ook wel weer een voordeel, want komen er zo ook terloops bezittingen tevoorschijn die eerder
verloren gewaand waren. Na het ronden van Rondo eiland werd koers gezet de zuid west in om af te
zakken naar zo'n anderhalve graad noorder breedte, dit omdat de effecten van de zuidwest moesson
vooral op noordelijker breedtes huizen. Een aantal dagen varen met de deining recht van voren in,
maar ondanks dat konden we er stevig de pas inhouden terwijl we met een sierlijke curve in de kaart
achterlatend steeds westelijker gingen sturen. Een slingerend schip maakt voortgang, is in ieder geval
de leuze, hoewel wij daar aanvankelijk niet erg van profiteerden terwijl we vooral stevig slingerden met
de deining dwars in. Dat booreiland ook trouwens, en nemen we maar aan dat de wijsheid in die leuze
betreffende dat slingerende schip niet opgaat voor booreilanden. Al met al lopen we momenteel een
redelijke vaart en staat het gemiddelde zelfs nog boven de aanvankelijke verwachting, en winnen we
daar zelfs nog op terwijl ik dit schrijf en er een 5.6 mijl per uur op de meter staat. We hebben er mooi
weer bij ook, wel wat briezerig, maar dat komt net achterlijker van dwars aan bakboord in, en werkt
zodoende in ieder geval niet tegen. Ervoeren aanvankelijk een stevige deining vanuit het zuidwesten,
maar sinds een dag of drie komt die nu uit een wat zuidelijker richting zodat ook die niet tegen werkt.
We zijn er natuurlijk nog niet, want hebben we het slechtste stuk voor wat de moesson aangaat nog
voor de boeg wanneer we binnen niet al te lang het noord oosten in moeten de Arabische zee in.
Weerberichten vanuit die hoek laten voorlopig alleen maar hoge windsnelheid waarden zien, maar
daar de kracht van de moesson in augustus gaat afzwakken, rekenen we er maar een beetje op dat
we er zonder al te veel weer doorheen komen. Voorlopig verdwijnen de palmbomen van het
Malediven atol aan stuurboord al weer uit zicht en richten we ons op het vervolg van de reis, waarover
ik tzt wel weer wat zal schrijven. De stemming aan boord zit er goed in, het eten is goed, en ook de 80
man die op het booreiland meevaren schijnen het volgens het dagelijkse praatje met de Texaanse
"Barge Captain" prima naar hun zin te hebben, dus vooruit maar, in ieder geval heeft die de humor er
goed in zitten, en voorziet ons per e-mail van de nodige wijsheden, waarvan ik er hier 1 zal
meesturen, met de aanmerking overigens dat ze op het rig voor wat het onderwerp aangaat droog
staan. Vanaf een zonnige maar gezwellige Indische Oceaan aan iedereen de beste wensen.
Rigmail: "Well ya see, Gerrit, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest
buffalo.
And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first
This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the
whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way,
the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we
know, kills
brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular
consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient
machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.!!!!!!" (Bron: Kapitein Smitwijs
Rotterdam)
Smit Internationale N.V. verwacht hogere winst 2005
Smit Internationale N.V. heeft over het eerste halfjaar van 2005 een netto winst behaald van EUR 18,8
miljoen (vorig jaar EUR 14,4 miljoen). Voor het gehele jaar 2005 wordt een netto winst verwacht,
welke belangrijk hoger zal zijn dan de over 2004 verantwoorde nettowinst die EUR 27,4 miljoen
bedroeg. De hogere verwachting voor het resultaat 2005 is gebaseerd op de goede resultaten in het
eerste halfjaar en het werkaanbod voor het tweede halfjaar. Nadere informatie volgt met de
halfjaarcijfers 2005 die op 25 augustus 2005 gepubliceerd zullen worden. (Bron: Smit Internationale)
Vlootuitbreiding ITC met SmitWijs-boten
De ankerhandelingssleepboten SmitWijs Typhoon en SmitWijs Tempest varen binnenkort in de
keluren van ITC uit Heemstede. Deze rederij heeft via Offshore Shipbrokers uit Londen de beide
trekpaarden van SmitWijs Towage uit Rotterdam overgenomen. De vloot van ITC telt straks weer tien
zeeslepers, die wereldwijd worden ingezet. De zusterschepen zijn nu nog voor de Amerikaanse
offshoreaannemer McDermott in het Verre Oosten actief en worden waarschijnlijk pas in september
aan ITC overgedragen. Deze gaat het tweetal niet alleen voor offshorewerk, maar ook voor zeeslepen
inzetten. De SmitWijs Typhoon en SmitWijs Tempest werden als Typhoon en Tempest in 1976 en
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
1977 voor Wijsmuller gebouwd bij van der Giessen de Noord in Alblasserdam, resp bouwnummer 907
& 908, De 48 meter lange slepers worden voortgestuwd door twee Stork-Werkspoor Diesel 6TM410motoren,
samen goed voor 9350 pk, wat een trekkracht van 120 ton oplevert. De slepers zijn later
samen met die van Smit ondergebracht in het samenwerkingsverband SmitWijs Towage. (Bron:
Schuttevear)
Eerste berging slepers Wijsmuller bij Lissabon.
Nog maar nauwelijks in de nieuwe thuishaven Lissabon gearriveerd, of de slepers Groningen en
Brabant speelden al een hoofdrol bij een operatie in de haveningang van de Portugese hoofdstad. Het
ging om het vlotbrengen van het deels geladen vrachtschip Astra Sea. Dit 147 meter lange vaartuig
was daar maandag 11 juli omhooggelopen. De kapitein van het 25 jaar oude vrachtschip sloot een
bergingscontract met SvitzerWijsmuller, dat de slepers Groningen, Brabant, Montada en Montevil
stuurde en vanuit Nederland een bergingsteam liet overkomen. De bergers zagen een dag later
samen met de twee slepers uit Ijmuiden en de Montada kans de Astra Sea bij hoog water vlot te
trekken. Het vrachtschip werd vervolgens gestabiliseerd en het onderwaterschip door duikers
geinspecteerd. Hierna werd zij naar Lissabon gesleept en overgedragen aan de eigenaren. De
Brabant en Groningen, jarenlang havenslepers in Amsterdam, maken sinds enkele weken deel uit van
de vloot van Lisbon Tugs, een havensleepdienst die onlangs door SvitzerWijsmuller is overgenomen.
De provincieboten zijn de sterktste slepers uit de vloot van de Portugese rederij. (Bron: Schuttevear)
Koelschip vaart over sleepdraden
Het 9175 grt metende Maltese koelschip Crystal Iris heeft onlangs vlak voor de kust van Hoek van
Holland voor commotie gezorgd. Het uitgaande schip probeerde achter het bevoorradingsvaartuig
Granit en de Kotug-sleper RT Magic langs te varen terwijl deze het booreiland Noble Al White naar de
Nieuwe Waterweg aan het verslepen waren. Zowel vanaf het booreiland als de slepende vaartuigen
werd alles gedaan om het koelschip via de radio te waarschuwen voor de sleepdraden. Er werd echter
niet gereageerd op de brug op de brug van de Crystal Iris. De bemanning van de Granit zag kans
vliegensvlug de sleepdraad te laten slippen. Maar de sleepdraad van de Kotug sleper werd door het
koelschip stuk getrokken. Volgens een woordvoerder van Worls Marine Support in Den Helder, die het
management voert over de Granit, heeft de brekende draad geen van de opvarende letsel bezorgd.
De slepers waren met het eiland van Noble Drilling op weg naar Keppel Verolme bij Rotterdam. De
Noble Al White had net een boorklus voor Wintershall in het F16-blok op het Nederlandse continentale
plat achter de rug. Bij de rigmove naar Rotterdam waren naast de Granit en de RT Magic ook de
slepers ZP Monelena en Arion betrokken. De waterpolitie stelt een onderzoek in naar het ongeval.
(Bron: Schuttevear)
Containerkraan voor Gydinia
Afgelopen donderdag is met de bokken Taklift 3 en Taklift 4 een containerkraan geladen op de Smit
Anambas. Deze kraan zal worden getransporteerd door Smit Transport Europe BV naar Polen. De
Smit Anambas vetrekt a.s. maandag middag 1 augustus naar zee. (Bron: Hans van der Ster)
WSS Marine News
Emsgarth (juist – 84) 162/75 – tug. By Svitzer Marine Ltd, Honduras to Dragage Des Ports Societe
Drapoer, Morocco and renamed Iltizam
Gulf Fleet No.66, 451/83 – offshore tug/supply. By Zapata Gulf Marine Operators LLC, USA to Inter
GulfMarine LLC, UAE and renamed Al Haml
Kintore, 363/77 – tug. By J.P.Knight Group Ltd. UK to Stargazer Maritime Inc. St.Vincent and the
Grenadies and renamed Hector.
Smit-Lloyd Fame – 2095/95 – offshore supply. By Seacor offshore Supply Ship One Ltd. Marshall
Islands to Havila Trencher AS Bahamas and renamed Havila Fame.
Swallow (Hornbeck Swallow – 96; Seaboard Swallow – 95; Aracati – 90) 645/73 – standby safety
vessel. By Rederij West Friesland BV St.Vincent and the Grenadines to Offshore Support Vessels II
BV Liberia and renamed VOS Northwind
Members Reports
Atlantic Ash 360/99 – tug was renamed Caballo Palomino (Mex) prior to 26/1/2004
Betty Culbreath 195/68 – tug was renamed Michaela McAllister (USA) prior to 8/3/2004
Cala Mancina 167/75 – tug was renamed Zumaia III (Esp) prior to 23/2/2004.
Carol Foss 162/57 – tug was renamed Marauder (Usa) prior to 4/4/2005
Dynan 357/74 – tug was renamed Svitzer Munin (Vct) prior to 13/9/2004
Groix 282/71 – tug was renamed Ekom (Vct) prior to 24/5/2004
Jaberi 524/77 – tug was renamed Mataf Master (Pan) prior to 10/5/2004
Marine Lord No.16 138/93 – tug was renamed Dolyi (Mys) prior to 9/2/2004
Redcliffe 470/86 – tug was seen as Adsteam Keelby (Gbr) at Hull on 17/5/2005
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Sea Cresent 222/81 – tug was renamed Sun Cresent (Usa) prior to 30/1/2004
Smit Curacao 1356/74 – AHTS was renamed Carlos (Bhs) prior to 23/8/2004
Smit Lumut 1388/75 – AHTS was renamed Jascon 22 (Vct) prior to 4/10/2004
Sun Voyager 813/03 – tug was renamed Corbin Foss (Usa) prior to 12/1/2004
Tajam 255/02 – tug was seen as Karori (Sgp) at Lyttleton on 11/5/2005
Thalasoporos 354/81 – tug was renamed Pileas (Cyp) prior to 25/4/2005
VES Fair 8 174/97 – tug was renamed Point of Sand (Guy) Prior to 24/5/2004
Casualties
Mimosa (Laila Viking – 92; Acadian Gail – 90; Mortier – 83) 1242/82 – offshore tug/supply, owned by
Petroleum Technical Services Co. Vietnam. Sank 12/5/2005 near the Dai Hung oilfield, Vietnam,
following a collision with the tanker Trinity q.v. The crew of 16 were resqued. Damage of the tanker
was not serius.
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 23
dd. 05 Augustus 2005
_______________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Rederij van Stee verkoopt haar aandelen
01-08-2005 - DEN HELDER/HARLINGEN - Acta Marine Holding B.V. uit Den Helder heeft alle
aandelen van rederij Van Stee Survey & Supply B.V. uit Harlingen overgenomen. Hierdoor
ontstaat een ongekend sterke groep van bedrijven die gespecialiseerd is in de wereldwijde
exploitatie van werkschepen op de kust- en binnenwateren. Acta Marine exploiteert, als
houdstermaatschappij van Rederij Waterweg en Van Laar Scheepvaart, wereldwijd circa 50
sleepboten, surveyschepen, crewtenders, pontons en multi-purpose vaartuigen. Van Stee
Survey & Supply is in dezelfde sectoren actief en is gespecialiseerd in het werken op zeer
ondiep water. In dit marktsegment heeft het bedrijf een leidende marktpositie weten te
verwerven. De rederij uit Harlingen beschikt over 19 schepen en heeft ongeveer 50 mensen in
vaste dienst. De klanten van de ondernemingen opereren met name in de olie- en gasindustrie,
de baggerij en aannemerij, de kabels- en leidingenmarkt, of zijn (semi-)overheidsdiensten.
“Door het samengaan ontstaat een groep van bedrijven die de klanten toegang geeft tot een
ongekend grote en veelzijdige vloot van ongeveer 70 werkschepen, die overal ter wereld
inzetbaar zijn.” zegt directeur Govert Jan van Oord van Acta Marine. Zowel Van Stee Survey &
Supply, Rederij Waterweg als Van Laar Scheepvaart hebben ieder een veelal langdurige relatie
weten op te bouwen met verschillende afnemers in de markt. Acta Marine vindt het daarom van
belang dat deze werkmaatschappijen zoveel mogelijk zelfstandig naast elkaar blijven opereren.
“Klanten zullen ook in de toekomst merken dat contactpersonen, schepen en bemanning
grotendeels dezelfde vertrouwde gezichten hebben en de dienstverlening herkenbaar blijft. Ik
ben daarom zeer verheugd dat de heren Johan en Jan-Willem van Stee bereid zijn om aan de
onderneming verbonden te blijven en de bedrijfsleiding te blijven voeren over Van Stee Survey
& Supply in Harlingen”, aldus directeur Van Oord. (Bron: Navingo)
Keellaying Fairmount Alpine
On 4 August, 2005 Mr Dirk Dokter, son of Geert Dokter, managing director MPC STEAMSHIP,
will perform the keel laying ceremony of our third 200 tons bollard pull tug, FAIRMOUNT
ALPINE. FAIRMOUNT ALPINE will be delivered to Fairmount in April 2006. (Bron: Shipping
News)
FAIRPLAY TOWAGE orders two tugs
The Hamburg based tugowner Fairplay Towage is going to strengthen its fleet by having placed
an order for two new tugs with Astilleros Armon in Spain.With an LOA of 25m and a width of
11,2m these tugs are planned to predominantly serve in the Ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam.
Two 8-cylinder ABC-engines (Type ABC 8MDZC 4-stroke) with each 1850KW at 1000 RPM
generate the power for two fixed-propeller Schottel SRP1515-propulsion systems, producing a
bollard pull of minimum 60 tons and a free-running speed of minimum 12kn. Two Scania 6cylinder-diesel-engines
(Type D 9 95M 10-40) with a power output of each 196kw are
generating the required on-board electricity. A Brusselles double-drum winch (Type
SLH150.20/2-2-2) produces a breakforce of 1800kN. Ships’ assistances will be performed
primarily via the bow (Push & Pull). One of the double drums will carry a 90m Dyneema-Line
whereas the other will carry conventional towing gear (52mm wires) either for port operation or
sea-towages. For towage-jobs over the stern the tow-wire is guided through a tunnel below the
accomodation to the aft-deck. The winch will be operated from a control panel in the
wheelhouse or by a portable joystick box. The extensive fendering around the entire ship is
protecting the hull and especially designed for the „Push & Pull-Mode“. Designed for a 3-mencrew
the tugs each count a total of 6 bunks. Navigation- and communication equipment
corresponds to the presently available technical standards such as GMDSS, gyro-compass,
autopilot, electronic seachart, AIS and two radars. The tugs are built according to the guidelines
of the German SBG under Bureau Veritas class with the classification: „BV + Hull + Mach Tug
unrestricted service + AUT UMS“. Delivery by Astilleros Armon to Fairplay Towage is planned
for February and August 2007. URS Antwerp, in which Fairplay holds a 50% participation, has
ordered two identical sisters for the Port of Zeebrugge. Fairplay Towage, celebrating its 100 th
anniversay this year, today operates a fleet comprising of harbour and offshore tugs, stationed
in Hamburg, Rotterdam and the German Baltic. Two deepsea tugs are employed in worldwide
trade. Further Fairplay operates through its subsidiary BBB Schlepp- und Hafendienst in
Rostock a fleet of work-pontoons. With the 50% participation in URS Antwerp and the take-over
of the Polish “Project Zegluga, based in Szczecin, both in 2004, the activity-portfolio of Fairplay
Towage has been steadily enlarged over the last years. Hamburg, 03.08.2005 (Bron: via Henk
de Winde) N.V. is pleased to announce the closing of its USD 50 million private placement
Fairmount Heavy Transport N.V. buys Boa Barge 19 & Boa Barge 20
Oslo, 2 August 2005. Fairmount Heavy Transport N.V. is pleased to announce the closing of its
USD 50 million private placement of new equity. The proceeds from the offering will be used to
acquire the semi submersible barges BOA 19 and 20 from BOA Offshore AS in Trondheim,
Norway, and for general corporate purposes. The Barges will be converted to self propelled
transportation vessels, which are planned to be completed in the 2H of 2006. Fairmount Heavy
Transport N.V. was recently established by Fairmount Marine B.V., Capricorn Offshore AS and
Sea of Solutions B.V. to focus on the attractive marine heavy transportation market, with the
main market segments being within transportation of jack-up and semi submersible drilling rigs,
floating production units and offshore for the offshore oil and gas industry. The private
placement was carried out by issuing 28.2 million new shares at a subscription price of EUR
1.46 per share. Following the private placement, the total number of outstanding shares in
Fairmount Heavy Transport N.V. is 30 million. Through the private placement, which was
oversubscribed several times, a number of international and Norwegian institutional investors
have invested in the company, alongside with private professional investors. Fairmount Heavy
Transport N.V. will start trading on the Norwegian OTC system under the ticker FAIR on or
about 4August2005, and the company will immediately initiate the application process for listing
on the Oslo Stock Exchange. ABG Sundal Collier acted as sole manager for the private
placement. Fairmount Marine B.V. will act as technical and operational manager for the
converted vessels, with Capricorn Offshore providing management and market competence to
Fairmount Heavy Transport N.V. The board of directors of Fairmount Heavy Transport N.V. will
be chaired by Henk van den Berg, the sole owner of Fairmount Marine B.V., and Frederik
Steenbuch, the owner of Capricorn Offshore will hold the CEO position of the company. Both
Mr. Van den Berg and Mr. Steenbuch have extensive experience from the marine and offshore
industries. (Bron: Fairmont)
Moran Moves Towards DH Fleet
8/4/05 2:57:24 PM
With the introduction of three new double-hull
petroleum barges in 2005, Paul Tregurtha, chairman
of Moran Towing Corporation, announced that the
company is on track to achieve its goal of operating
an all double-hull fleet by the end of 2006. In the first
seven months of 2005, Moran introduced two newly
built double-hull petroleum barges, New Hampshire
and Georgia, both built at Bay Shipbuilding in
Wisconsin, and a newly converted double-hulled
barge Massachusetts, delivered from Gulf Marine
Repair in Florida. The three barges, with a combined
cargo carrying capacity of 360,000 barrels, were matched with ocean-going tugs from the
Moran fleet, all with articulated (ATB) coupler systems that allow the tug to remain permanently
in the barge notch when underway. The barges New Hampshire and Georgia, both 427 ft. in
length each with a capacity of 110,000 barrels, are matched with the newly-refurbished 5,100
hp tugs Scott Turecamo and Barney Turecamo respectively, while the 415-ft. barge
Massachusetts, 140,000 barrels, is paired with the 7,200 hp tug Paul T.Moran. New Hampshire
and Georgia are both working under contract to Conoco-Phillips, delivering refined petroleum
products in the Northeast, while the Massachusetts is under contract to Westport Petroleum,
delivering fuel oil to marine terminals along the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard. “We are
moving towards our stated goal of being completely double-hull as a matter of policy as soon as
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
possible,” said Moran’s Chairman Tregurtha during the christening ceremony for the
Massachusetts in Tampa. Introduction of the new barges in 2005 marks Moran’s first use of
articulated coupler technology. The two new barges, with 78-foot beam and a 26 -foot loaded
draft, are connected to their tugs with a pin system developed by Intercontinental Engineering,
while the reconfigured Massachusetts has been fitted with the Bludworth coupler system. The
New Hampshire and Georgia are each outfitted with six Markey Machinery mooring line winches
around the deck, each storing up to 1,000 feet of braided, eight-strand Force 8 line
manufactured by Samson Rope Technologies. With three deep-well cargo pumps servicing 10
compartments, crews of the new units can discharge their entire 17,000 tons of cargo in less
than 12 hours, typically offloading at a rate in excess of 11,000 barrels per hour. The flush-deck,
unmanned barges have the latest in closed-tank gauging and high-level monitoring and alarm
systems developed by Ian-Conrad Bergen Marine. Cargo tanks are constantly monitored by a
radar gauging system, while ballast and fuel tanks are monitored using internal tank pressure
systems. “It’s all integrated so that the tankermen can monitor the level of any tank on the barge
from any location out on deck or inside the barge office,” said Dave Beardsley, Moran’s vice
president of construction and repair, who played a key role in the barge design. Although the
barge contains no housing for crew, there is a large office with space for the unit’s computer
system and for constant cargo monitoring, plus records, paperwork, maintenance scheduling
and communications. The three identical cargo pumps are powered by Detroit Diesel engines
while general electrical needs of the barge are powered by John Deere diesel-generator sets. A
Markey electric anchor windlass is on the bow. An eight million BTU Volcanic furnace keeps
thermal heating fluid at a constant temperature as it circulates through the cargo tanks. Moran’s
three tugs assigned to these barges are SOLAS and ISM certified with the latest in safety,
navigation and communications equipment. All three tugs are equipped with towing winches
and complete offshore towing gear, in addition to all equipment involved with their articulated
coupler systems. (Bron: Marinelink)
Fotograven opgelet! Smit Abaco bezoekt Rotterdam
De Smit Abaco ex. KST Sedna wordt maandag of dinsdag in Rotterdam verwacht. De Smit
Aboco zal de Taklift 1 op sleeptouw nemen voor een reis naar Venezuela. (Bron: Hans van der
Ster)
Nieuwbouw voor Smit in Singapore.
Singapore is bezig met haar nieuwbouw programma van 12 havenslepers. De slepers komen
onder het management van Singapore Keppel Smit Towage Pte.Ltd. De eerste slepers hebben
de volgende namen Maju Star en Maju Sun. Terwijl de volgende twee worden gebouwd onder
bouwnummer 294 en 295. Hierna volgen 4 slepers van het ASD 4000 Hp type, 2 ASD 45 BP en
2 Tractor 45 BP. (bron: Bron Smit Singapore)
Zeepaard
Bij de verkoop van de bokken Taklift 3 en Ajax is ook de sleepboot Zeepaard. Verkocht aan
GPS Marine Services BV te Sliedrecht en Ecoloss Maritime BV. De nieuwe naam van de
sleepboot wordt woensdag bekend gemaakt. Verder behoud de Ajax haar eigen naam en krijgt
de Taklift 3 de nieuwe naam Atlas. (Bron: Ecoloss)
Tug Islay Going Home to the Twin Ports
8/02 The 1892-vintage tugboat Islay has been sold to the Northeastern Maritime Historical
Foundation, based in Superior, WI. The Foundation closed a deal in June, with owner Greg
Stamatelakys of Milwaukee, who had salvaged the abandoned vessel more than twenty years
ago. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, the vessel underwent extensive restoration including the
reinstallation of a B-3 Kahlenberg oil engine, taken from the fish tug Eric of Bayfield, WI. The
Islay was built by whaleback pioneer Alexander McDougall as his personal yard tug. The
historic vessel slid down the ways in the first triple launch in the history of the Great Lakes,
along with the whaleback steamers Washburn and Pillsbury. Islay has been moved to a
boatyard up river in Milwaukee where preparation for a tow to Lake Superior is underway. The
vessel will be moved to a Duluth boatyard later this year for continued preservation and
eventual public display. The vessel's history and a photographic tour can be found on the
Foundation's website: Northeastern Maritime Historical Foundation – Islay (Bron: Jan van der
Doe)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
GulfMark Offshore Announces Fleet Expansion
Publication date: 2005-08-01 HOUSTON, Aug. 1, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- GulfMark Offshore,
Inc. (Nasdaq:GMRK) today announced several vessel additions to the Company's worldwide
operated fleet. GulfMark has elected to purchase the vessel where the Company held a first
right of refusal. This vessel is an identical sister ship to the vessel purchased earlier this year by
GulfMark which is currently being built in China, a 5,150 BHP, 60 ton bollard pull AHTS (anchor
handling, towing, supply vessel). The newest vessel is being constructed at the same shipyard
at a price below $10 million, with delivery toward the middle of 2006. As with the previous
contract, upon purchasing the above vessel, GulfMark has been granted a first right of refusal
on a third vessel with somewhat different characteristics. Delivery of the third vessel would be in
the latter half of 2006, should the Company decide to exercise the option. The Company has
also agreed to participate in a joint venture for the construction of a new design large platform
supply vessel, a 4,850 deadweight ton, diesel electric powered Aker PSV09, with expected
delivery in 2007. The cost of the vessel is approximately $30 million, and GulfMark will be the
majority investor in the new venture, with an option to build an additional vessel of identical
design. GulfMark will also have the right to purchase 100 percent of the vessel upon pre-agreed
terms. Thirdly, GulfMark has undertaken the management of a UT 755L new construction
vessel on behalf of a third party. The "Portosalvo" joined the fleet this week and started an 18
month term contract. Finally, the Company will start providing support services and commercial
management for two additional new builds: (1) "UP Esmeralda," a VS4408 platform supply
vessel which has also joined the fleet and is operating under a term contract, and (2) the "UP
Safira," a VS4408 sister ship to the Esmeralda which is expected to arrive in the North Sea
during mid-August and is currently being marketed. Bruce Streeter, President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company, commented: "The announced vessel acquisitions improve
our fleet profile and allow us greater flexibility in meeting customer requirements. In Asia, we
are improving the fleet age profile and providing a cost effective, new vessel type to our regional
asset base. In the North Sea, we are responding to increased customer demand and will be
able to meet the expectations of specific customers who have asked us to provide additional
capacity. Given the high level of our forward contract cover for our existing vessels, this is
extremely important. Having worked closely with the Aker Group on the design, we believe the
Aker PSV09DE vessel will meet all current, and anticipated regulatory and customer
requirements, while at the same time providing improved economics for both ship owner and
charterer, making her a very competitively priced high capacity vessel. We are pleased to be
able to add the capacity and added dimension to our business through timely
additions of managed units, attractively priced acquisitions and new construction." The
Company will add a total of three (one previously announced) owned vessels to the fleet,
bringing the fleet of owned vessels to 50 in 2007, when the last vessel is delivered. Without
additional changes, at the conclusion of this expansion the fleet would be comprised of 50
owned and 10 managed vessels. GulfMark Offshore, Inc. provides marine transportation
services to the energy industry through a fleet of fifty-six (56) offshore support vessels,
primarily in the North Sea, offshore Southeast Asia, and the Americas. This press release
contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other
factors. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are: price of
oil and gas and their effect on industry conditions; industry volatility; fluctuations in the size of
the offshore marine vessel fleet in areas where the Company operates; changes in competitive
factors; delay or cost overruns on construction projects and other material factors that are
described from time to time in the Company's filings with the SEC. Consequently, the
forward-looking statements contained herein should not be regarded as representations that the
projected outcomes can or will be achieved. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Helios Says Hello To Angola
The GP670 PSV Bourbon Helios has been delivered from the Zhejiang shipyard in Ningbo,
China and is understood to have commenced its three-year charter with BP Angola to support
drilling operations with the semi-submersible rig Sedco Express. It is the first of a series of eight
GPA670 PSV’s that have been ordered by Bourbon Offshore at the Chinese shipyard. (Bron:
Sebreeze July)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Newbuild Barra’s A Beaut
The MT 6000 Mk II PSV Skandi Barra, built at the Aker Tulcea Yard in Romania for DOF. pecs:
LOA 85.65M, beam 19.7M, DWT 6,000 and a deck space of 941M2. The vessel has now begun
a term charter with Shell. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
Another Aker Cracker
Aker Yards has signed a contract worth approximately NOK 205 million to build a platform
supply vessel of the PSV 09DE design for an undisclosed new company. The contract includes
an option for a similar vessel. Main specifications: LOA 88M, beam 19M and 4,850DWT.
Delivery is scheduled for March 2007. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
Esmeralda Ecstatic With Total
On the 9th July Ultrapetrol’s newbuild VS4408 UP Esmeralda arrived in Aberdeen and was
quickly fixed to BG for a cargo run. The vessel then went to Total for a 10-week contract from 4 th
August to support the Galaxy I in the Central North Sea. UP Esmeralda is the first of two new
vessels built in China and managed by Gulf Offshore. The second newbuild PSV is the UP
Safira which will join the Esmeralda from mid August. A further four vessels are under
construction in Brazil. The UP Aqua-Marinha was scheduled to be delivered in March this year
but is delayed and now due later this year; the remaining three are due out in 2006. (Bron:
Sebreeze July)
CTC See Selling Opportunity
Subsea Contractor CTC Marine Projects, based in Teesside, UK, is likely to sell the Ocean
Challenger to DOF (District Offshore) towards the end of this year. CTC wish to emphasize that
all obligations entered into with this vessel will be completed as contracted prior to handover.
CTC has for some time been reviewing and optimizing its fleet with the objective of having
vessels which can support its variety of trenching installation spreads throughout the year in all
weather conditions. The Ocean Challenger has supported this transitional phase in the
Company’s diversification from the cable industry to the plans to secure and operate 4
multipurpose vessels for the 2006 season which will be focused on supporting its framework
partners and the general trenching installation market. CTC have framework agreements in
place for trenching and ploughing services with both Stolt Offshore and Subsea 7 and in
addition are currently working directly with BP, Statoil and Shell. The purchase price for the
2000 built vessel is reported to be around NOK 245 million and it will be engaged by Geoconsult
AS as an ROV and construction support vessel. The Bergen based survey company was
recently acquired by DOF ASA. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
Solstad Add Another AHTS
Solstad Offshore ASA has entered into a NOK 400 million contract with Flekkefjord &
Maskinfabrikk for the construction of one large AHTS vessel of Vik- Sandvik design. The vessel
will have a bollard pull of around 250 tonnes and is designed for worldwide deep-sea
operations. Delivery from the yard will be in the first quarter of 2007. Solstad Offshore already
has eight AHTS vessels of similar class which are mainly operating in deep-sea areas offshore
Brazil, West Africa and Malaysia. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
Volstad Volunteer For Vessel
Aker Yards has signed a contract with Volstad Shipping AS, Ålesund, for the building of a
ST216 L PSV worth approximately NOK 250 million plus an option for a second similar vessel.
The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in February 2007 from the Brattvaag Skipsverft. The
hull will be built in Romania. Main specifications: LOA 93,4m beam 19,2m and a cargo capacity
of 5,000 tonnes. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
Copacabana At The Campos
The newbuild AHTS UT722L Norskan Copacabana has commenced its long-term charter with
Petrobras in the Campos Basin. The vessel was delivered from the Eisa shipyard in Brazil on 22
July. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
Havila to build two AHTS vessels
Havila have decided to build two UT 786CD AHTS vessels. Havyard Leirvik AS will deliver the
first vessel in February 2007 and the second in June 2007. The contract value is in excess of
NOK 300 million for each vessel. The vessels are prepared for operations in the Barents Sea
with Ice class C and prepared for DE ICE class. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
Deep Sea Decision
The newly established Norwegian company Deep Sea Supply ASA has purchased 6 KMAR404
design AHTS vessels from Tidewater Inc. at a reported combined price of US$ 188 million. The
purchase consists of the vessels William Croyle, Billy Joe Ramey, Amadon Tide, McNee Tide,
Howard Hogue and Ray J. Hope. The vessels will be renamed in due course. Deep Sea Supply
ASA has applied for a listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company intends to trade some
of the vessels on the North Sea spot market but aims to seek the best employment worldwide.
Seabrokers Chartering acted as brokers in this transaction. (Bron: Sebreeze July)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 24
dd. 14 Augustus 2005
_______________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Farstad sells vessel
Monday, 08 August 2005 FARSTAD Supply AS, a wholly owned company of Norwegian
offshore specialist Farstad Shipping ASA, is selling the platform supply vessels Far Scotsman to
the Canadian company Secunda Marine Services for US$6.5m. The 1982-built vessel will be
delivered to the new owner this month. Farstad says that the sale will give a booked profit of
about NKr35m in the third quarter. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Smitbarge 1 door Smit Transport Europe BV verkocht naar Amerika
Vrijdag is de Smitbarge 1 verkocht, door Smit Transport Europe BV – Rotterdam, aan IMI, LLC,
- New Orleans, Zij zal achter de sleepboot Rhea naar Amerika worden gesleept. Nieuwe naam
voor de Smitbarge 1 is Carolina M (Bron:Hans van der Ster)
Smit Abaco
Afgelopen week is de Smit Abaco ex KST Sedna, de haven van Rotterdam binnen gelopen. De
Smit Abaco was onderweg naar de Bahamas. Doordat de Taklift 1 in Venezuela gaat werken,
werd zij naar Rotterdam gedirigeerd om de Taklift 1 in Rotterdam op te komen halen.
Momenteel ligt zij afgemeerd in de Waalhaven voor het Smit kantoor. (Bron:Hans van der Ster)
Taklift 3 spotted in de Waalhaven
In de Waalhaven, voor het kantoor van Smit, is de Taklift 3 omgevlagd en herdoopt. Op de kont
staat aan BB te lezen.GPS Atlas – London. Ook hangt de Engelse vlag aldaar te wapperen.
Terwijl aan SB kont nog de naam van de Taklift 3 – Rotterdam staat. (Bron:Hans van der Ster)
E 6002 verkocht voor de sloop
De al twee jaar lang in de werkhaven liggende ponton E6002, van Smit Transport Europe BV.,
is verkocht voor de sloop. De afgelopen twee jaar heeft zij als opslag ponton haar laatste dagen
gesleten. Nu de lading is afgenomen is zij niet langer functioneel en wachten de snijbranders in
’s Gravendeel om haar als scheermesjes aan de hoogovens toe te vertrouwen. (Bron:Hans van
der Ster)
Chouest newbuild program continues with latest 280' OSV
In June on the New Orleans riverfront, Edison Chouest Offshore christened its latest
80'x69'x24' deepwater supply vessel — a vessel it describes as one of the most technologically
advanced in the world. The Dionne Chouest is the seventh 280-footer delivered to the Galliano,
La.-based company since launching the newbuild program in 2003, said Laney Chouest of
ECO. The first, the C-Leader, was delivered in February 2003. The company has exercised
options for another seven. “We have about 20 months left in the [280-foot] newbuilding
program,” said Chouest. When ECO began building the 280s, the company had firm contracts
for the first couple of boats. But “then we saw customer demand” and ECO decided to get more
aggressive with its newbuild program, said Chouest. Built by ECO sister company North
American Fabricators, Houma, La., the design of the new boat was driven by the demand for
large liquid mud capacity and other dedicated below-deck tankage. The Dionne has room for
15,408 bbls. of liquid mud, 1,836 bbls. methanol, and 11,440 cu. ft. dry bulk (at 80 psi). The
OSV also boasts an impressive deck cargo capacity of 2,700 LT on its 203'¥50'6" deck. But
Chouest said a much more important measure of capacity is a vessel's deadweight tonnage,
which is approximately 4,800 LT on the Dionne. “We call them 4,800s for their cargo capacity,”
he said. “In this boat, we can pretty much load it up.” (Deadweight tonnage is the total weight of
cargo, stores, bunkers, water, passengers and crew that a vessel is capable of carrying when
floated at loaded draft.) The Dionne's carrying capacities aren't the only impressive feature of
the boat. There's also the vessel's integrated bridge, which has a revolutionary new look.
Designed by Marine Technologies LLC, Mandeville, La., the bridge features floor-to-ceiling
glass and pilot chairs surrounded by all the necessary monitors and controls. Marine Tech
supplied the DP-2 system — the Bridge Mate DP 2 — on the Dionne Chouest. The Bridge Mate
is based on distributed architecture that utilizes the latest technology for hardware and software,
with close attention paid to redundancy and segregation. The architecture layout reduces cable
installation and each interface unit can be placed close to thrusters, engines and rudders,
according to Jan Mikalsen, Marine Tech's president. The system has triple redundancy, which
ensures that positioning can still be performed in the event a single fault occurs in either the DP
system or the connected sensors, position reference system or thruster interface system. “The
DP 2 has three computers, triple redundancy. The computer will feel what is wrong, and you will
still have two computers to perform DP-2,” said Mikalsen. As of July 1, Marine Tech had
installed 37 Bridge Mate systems on ECO vessels. “We are taking it to the next logical step with
the integrated bridge,” said Chouest. “The coordinated setup is logical. It is a trend.” Main
propulsion for the Dionne is supplied by a pair of Caterpillar 3608 diesels each rated at 3,600 hp
at 1,000 rpm. Service speed is 15 knots. The OSV is also outfitted with three thrusters: a 1,200hp
Rolls Royce and two 1,700-hp Schottels. For service power there are two 910kw generators
and one 170kw generator. For stability and ship motion, the OSV features a pair of passive antiroll
tanks. The vessel has accommodations for 29. The next 280-footer, the Christian Chouest,
will be delivered in October. (Bron:Jan van der Doe)
Diversified Marine finishing second tug for Brusco
Founded in 1984, Brusco Tug & Barge, Longview, Wash., provides log towing service on the
Columbia River and wood-chip hauling along the West Coast. The company also barges
juvenile salmon around dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers for the Army Corps of
Engineers. In addition to the towing work, Brusco provides ship-assist services in Grays Harbor,
Wash., and in the California ports of Stockton, Sacramento, Eureka and Port Hueneme. When
Brusco took delivery of the Wynema Spirit, a Robert Allan-designed, 78'¥31' ship-assist tug in
March 2001, the boat was dispatched to Port Hueneme where it helps dock car carriers and
other ships. With activity increasing at the Southern California port, Brusco went back to
Diversified Marine, Portland, Ore., which built the Wynema Spirit, for a sister tug. The 3,700-hp
Lulapin will be delivered this summer. The second 78-footer is almost identical to the first. The
main engines, however, are different. Where the Wynema Spirit has twin Detroit Diesel
V12/4000 engines rated at 1,800 hp each, the Lulapin has a pair of Caterpillar 3512s, each
rated at 1,850 hp at 1,600 rpm. Both tugs have Ulstein Z-drives with 80" wheels. And both also
have a single 1,000-gpm Darley fire pump, which is driven by one of the two 99kw Northern
Lights gensets. Bollard pull for the Lulapin was measured at 102,000 lbs. ahead and 99,000 lbs.
astern. The other major piece of equipment on both boats is a Markey Machinery Co. hawser
winch mounted forward of the pilothouse. The Wynema Spirit's winch is hydraulic, but the
Lulapin's is electric. Barry Griffin, company representative for Seattle-based Markey, said more
and more of its winches are electrically powered. “They're just so bulletproof,” he said. “No
plumbing, no leaks, no filters. It's a proven design now. We only do hydraulic if the customer
wants them for a specific reason.” Another proven design is the tug itself, which Robert Allan
described as a “dedicated harbor tug” that is a direct descendent of tugs his company designed
for Cates Tugs in North Vancouver, B.C., about 25 years ago. “It's a relatively lightweight, costeffective,
simple platform,” said Allan. “It's not intended for multipurpose work or work in
exposed water.” Over time, the design has been given more horsepower. Whereas earlier
models had 2,400 hp, the Wynema Spirit and the Lulapin are about 3,600 hp, “so we've had to
increase the beam and beef up the scantlings a little bit to accommodate the higher power,”
said Allan. Because the 78' harbor tug is designed for “absolute maximum maneuverability and
side slip” it has virtually no skeg other than what Allan called “docking skegs, which are
basically inverted saw horses ahead of the drive units on the hull, so the boat can be docked
sitting on those two frames plus the forefoot of the tug. The boat is essentially self supporting. It
doesn't need any blocks or anything when it comes out.” (Bron:Jan van der Doe)
Casco’s doorstaan storm
Vorige week is de 9000 pk sterke zeesleper Sable Cape van ITC Towage uit Heemstede met
de ponton Sainty 2 de Nieuwe Waterweg opgevaren. Op de ponton liggen zestien Chinese
binnenvaart casco’s. Het transport was 20 februari uit Shanghai vertrokken. Om de hoge
passagekosten voor het Suezkanaal te vermijden werd voor een vaarroute rond Kaap de
Goede Hoop gekozen, een reis van 16.000 mijl. Tijdens een ter hoogte van Mauritius
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
uitgevoerde inspectie, werd ontdekt dat door slecht weer een aantal zeevasten was
afgescheurd, waardoor de onderste laag casco’s is beschadigd. In het nabij gelegen Port Louis
zijn daarop reparaties uitgevoerd aan de zeevasten. Omdat de logistieke mogelijkheden in Port
Louis beperkt waren duurde het repareren ruim veertig dagen. In Durban bleken de zeevasten
opnieuw afgescheurd en werd een soortgelijke actie uitgevoerd, die acht dagen in beslag nam.
Eind juni passeerde de sleep Kaap de Goede Hoop, tussen de depresies door. Tijdens het
eerste deel van de reis was de bemanning van de Sable Cape tot de conclusie gekomen dat de
Sainty 2 goed volgde en kon een snelheid van 7,5 mijl worden vastgehouden. Na Dakar liep de
snelheid terug door de sterke Noordoostelijke wind. Op 4 augustus, 166 dagen na vertrek uit
Shanghai, liep de sleep Rotterdam binnen. De casco’s worden door Smit met drijvende bokken
gelost, waarna ze naar verschillende afbouwwerven vertrekken. (Bron:Schuttevear)
Smitwijs Singapore Reports
Bijna 3 week verder na het vorige relaas, hoog tijd voor een 'verse'. Het traject door Straat
Florida verliep uiteraard zeer goed regelmatig 10 mijl. Noord van de Straat de golfstroom min of
meer gevolgd en dat was ook werkelijk min of meer, het ene moment 10 en het andere moment
5 mijl. Wel kwam er weer een orkaantje opzetten, Harvey, dat leek aanvankelijk wel goed te
gaan, maar op de 5e augustus toch maar besloten om zuid van New Foundland even op het
gevalletje te blijven wachten. Het was kantje boord of we er wel of niet voor langs konden.
Een bijkomend probleem was dat we vrij regelmatig, om de twee dagen, een lekkende
brandstofleiding hadden en dus regelmatig op 1 motor voeren. Het aantal reserve leidingen,
was op het moment (de 7e) dat we weer de goede kant op konden gaan, eigenlijk niet meer
toereikend om Bremerhaven op een verantwoorde manier te halen. Besloten toen in
gezamenlijk overleg om via de Azoren te gaan om daar de nodige reserve leidingen op te gaan
pikken. Vandaar dat we nu wat oostelijk aan houden en hopen komende dinsdag bij Ponta
Delgada aan te komen. Een en ander heeft wel tot gevolg dat we nu niet rond de 22e, maar
rond de 28e in Bremerhaven denken te zijn. Waar men aanvankelijk bang voor was, dat we
gehinderd zouden worden door Sail Bremerhaven is nu niet meer van toepassing, dat is vanaf
dit weekend en ook Sail Amsterdam zal al wel over zijn. Wat het weer betreft hebben we
eigenlijk niet te klagen, nog wel wat hogere deining gehad door Harvey, tot een meter of 3 en
ook de temperaturen zijn nu van een 35+ naar een aangename 20-25 gezakt.
Buiten de machinekamer problemen zijn we ook nog steeds aan het stoeien met het 'netwerk'
dat regelmatig nog weer eens schop onder de kont moet hebben om ons van dienst te kunnen
zijn. Hoewel ik moet toegeven dat de laatste week zonder noemenswaardige probleempjes is
verlopen.
Van de 'De Da' - Appie Bakker, over de "Norway" : Ze sturen mee op die luxe caravan dus volgt
prima. Wat er met de "Norway" verder gaat gebeuren in Port Klang weet niemand. Turbines
liggen nog uit elkaar dus aktieve dienst kunnen ze voorlopig wel vergeten. Het woord 'Casino' is
ook al eens gevallen maar blijft twijfelachtig. Men denkt zelf dat deze sleep-reis naar 3 weken
overliggen in Port Klang een vervolg krijgt (Alang ?). Nieuwe eigenaar is Star Cruises. En de
laatste van DeDa - Appie Bakker van 11-08: Nou, dit wordt m'n laatste praatje denk ik. We zijn
van de "Norway" af. Paste niet in Port Klang volgens de haven-authoriteiten dus moesten hem
in opdracht van NCL Off-Port-Limits parkeren aan de Zuid-kant. Ligt nu ten anker tussen Port
Klang South-pilot en de NW-gaande traffic-lane op de One Fathom Bank. Moesten er op
verzoek van Star Cruises nog een dag bij blijven. Nog een paar uur erop rond gekeken. Een
groep van 14 Indiaase scrap-kopers stapte tegelijk met ons aan boord. De Zweeds/Noorse crew
gelooft nog steeds dat ie gereactiveerd wordt (ha ha, ja tot Indiase fiets-frames zeker).
Indrukwekkend dat theater, zwembaden, casino, galley, restaurant enzo. Ook als ramp-toerist
die boiler-krater bekeken, alleen geen fotos van mogen maken. Ligt schijnbaar nogal gevoelig.
Klinkt allemaal heel exotisch die cruise-wereld maar ook hoopjes bemanningsproblemen (geen
of hele slechte aflossers enzovoort). Net dus losgelaten bij ze en op weg naar Singapore voor
LOC-survey. Hoorde van Hans dat Smitwijs wel was benaderd voor een eventuele sleepreis
met de "Norway" volgende week naar Goa (India). Helaas, geen boten beschikbaar
(Bron:Kapitein Smitwijs Singapore)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 25
dd. 21 Augustus 2005
_______________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Nieuwe naam voor Zeepaard
De vorige week verkochte motorsleepboot Zeepaard, ex Phoenix 1955, van Smit Transport
Europe BV aan Ecoloss is herdoopt in Zeepia (Bron:Hans van der Ster)
Nicoline 4 verkocht
Onlangs is gerapporteerd dat de in 1998 bij Damen gebouwde Stantug 1605 van Rederij
Waterweg is verkocht aan Smit Terminals Sudan en herdoopt in Smit Angarosk (Bron:Hans
van der Ster)
International Salvage News
Salvors Warn that STS Restrictions Could Lead to Another Prestige
8/17/2005 11:18:00 AM Salvage operations involving the ship-to-ship (STS) transfer of cargo
and bunkers from tankers and other vessels should be exempt from new controls proposed by
Spain and Mexico and now under consideration by the International Maritime Organization’s
Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The International Salvage Union (ISU)
believes that the proposed new rules could hamper salvors’ efforts to prevent a future Prestigetype
spill catastrophe. At its recent meeting, ending July 22, the MEPC agreed to consider
MARPOL amendments concerning oil transfer operations at sea. This process has been given
“high priority” status and has a target date for completion by 2007. ISU President Hans van
Rooij says: “The proposals focus on routine STS operations and would give Coastal States
greater control over operations performed beyond the territorial sea when there is a potential for
pollution. Our concern, however, is that new measures giving Coastal States such powers might
be used to justify the refusal of legitimate requests for shelter for ship casualties and a failure to
approve the subsequent removal of cargo and bunkers which could cause pollution. “It is
noteworthy that Spain is a co-sponsor of this proposal. This attempt to gain more control over
shipping in international waters misses the point. Spain and Mexico are arguing the case for
new powers to restrict or ban STS operations in Special or Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas. Yet
these are the very areas most at risk. The freedom of the salvor to perform an STS on a laden
tanker at a sheltered location is essential for the protection of such vulnerable areas. “If Coastal
States with a reputation for knee-jerk rejection of ship casualties are handed such powers, I
have no doubt that they will use them to deny refuge for casualties. The ISU urges the IMO to
keep the Prestige disaster firmly in mind. The acceptance of the proposal from Spain and
Mexico could undermine the IMO’s recently adopted International Guidelines on Places of
Refuge.” The ISU’s concerns include the possible use of the proposed measures to restrict the
salvor’s ability to remove bunkers from ship casualties. The majority of salvage operations now
commence with the removal of the pollution threat by transferring bunkers. Salvors are only too
well aware that they have no responder immunity under the IMO’s Bunker Spills Convention.
They are at risk of prosecution if pollution occurs despite the best endeavours of the salvage
team. Hans van Rooij adds: “Applying the proposals to bunker transfers would create very
serious problems for salvors. It is possible that the imposition of restrictions or inappropriate
conditions could reduce the salvor’s chance of successfully avoiding pollution. The main point,
of course, is that salvors must retain their freedom of action if they are to prevent major spills
and catastrophic image. (Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Bisso Pulls 700 Tons on 200 Ton Jackets
8/18/2005 10:01:42 AM Bisso Marine was contracted to remove four structures in the Eugene Island
area. The 105 ft., 200T jacket structures were designed, built and installed in 1958, each of
which had a complete mud mat floor with a five foot retaining mud wall. The original installation
of the jackets to the required depth below natural bottom required the use of a jetting system
which was built into the jackets. Fast-forward 47 years, Bisso Marine mobilized the D/B Boaz to
location and removed the 75T deck sections from each structure and then prepared the
structures with explosives to severe the jacket from the piles. The 700T capacity D/B Cappy
Bisso was then rigged to each jacket and maintained a constant strain in order to break the mud
suction. The D/B Cappy Bisso held a strain on each to the four jackets for a few hours; the
break out forces ranged between 580T and 700T per jacket. Once the D/B Cappy Bisso had the
mud mat above the natural bottom, the rigging was transferred to the D/B Boaz, which then
lifted the jackets on to the material barge. (Bron:Marinelink)
T&T Bisso Wins Salvage Contract
8/18/2005 9:01:03 AM The alliance between T&T MARINE SALVAGE of Galveston, TX, and BISSO
MARINE, of New Orleans, LA, known as T&T BISSO, LLC has been awarded a contract to
salvage two hopper barges which are presently sunk in the Mississippi River at mile 297 AHP
LMR near Angola, LA. The alliance which recently participated in the emergency response effort
to rescue the disabled BP THUNDERHORSE semi submersible rig in the Gulf of Mexico has
again pooled equipment and resources to support the salvage of the hopper barges. T&T
MARINE SALVAGE mobilized the D/B JOSIE T and BISSO MARINE mobilized the D/B AJAX
and the C/B BIG EAGLE to the location last week, following the removal of the cargo, the
barges will be raised and returned to the owner. The salvage operation is expected to take a
few weeks. (Bron:Marinelink)
Osprey Line Makes Record Container Tow
8/17/2005 9:34:40 AM
M/V Bill Watson, with a 15 barge tow traveling
through Baton Rouge. Osprey Line, LLC, recently
completed the largest single unit tow container
movement in the history of the U.S. Inland Waterway
System. The 15 barge tow was loaded with 375
containers (750 TEU) of agricultural products from
Memphis to New Orleans and Houston. Osprey Line
worked closely with six major steamship lines to
move the cargo to Gulf of Mexico ports for export on
container vessels. The volume transported is the
equivalent of some ocean going vessels in the
container trade, and several times larger than the majority of vessels employed in the short sea
shipping trade in Europe. "This voyage is an illustration of what we are accomplishing here at
Osprey Line. The service is a great alternative to truck and rail on routes along the inland
waterway system and the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Inland waterway system is an amazing
resource that can readily be used to alleviate congestion along existing rail and highway
corridors. When you combine Osprey Line¹s inland service with our Gulf of Mexico service, we
provide an all-water system extending from the heartland of the United States to ports such as
New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houston, and Tampa. With partners like Kirby Corporation and
Cooper T. Smith, we have the resources to respond to projects such as this container move and
provide consistent reliable service." (Bron:Marinelink)
De liefde voor een gezonken zeesleper
Vrijwilligers wekken schroothoop zonder waarde weer tot leven Vakantie zit er voor de ruim
veertig vrijwilligers van sleepboot de Elbe deze zomer niet in. Zij werken met man en macht om
het tot twee keer toe gezonken schip weer in de vaart te krijgen. Maassluis - Even na twaalf uur
'pronkt' de Maassluise zeesleper de Elbe (1959) in het zonnetje dat zo nu en dan door de
wolken prikt. De boot lijkt niet de aandacht te trekken van de voorbijganger die de kant van het
vaartuig op kijkt en de wandeling op de Govert van Wijnkade voortzet. Het lijkt alsof de eens zo
prachtige sleper geen blik waardig is. De Elbe ligt er dan ook verlaten bij. Enkele ogenblikken
later komt er plotseling leven in het troosteloze plaatje aan de Buitenhaven. Uit het voormalige
pand van sleepdienst Smit verschijnt een groep mannen in oranje overalls met daarboven
opvallend bruine hoofden. Ze begeven zich in de richting van de Elbe. Hun serieuze blikken zijn
indrukwekkend. Niemand zegt iets. Verspreid over het schip zoeken zij een plek op dek of aan
boord en gaan ongestoord verder met de werkzaamheden die zij in verband met de lunchpauze
hadden gestaakt. Van uiterste rust naar een hels kabaal. De schuurmachine krijst en
verschillende motoren loeien. Het is een bedrijvigheid van jewelste. En dat is ook maar goed
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
ook. Menigeen die de sleper voor het eerst ziet, zal zich verbazen over de staat waarin het
schip verkeert. 'Waar beginnen jullie aan?' is volgens Piet Pors, één van de vrijwilligers, een
opmerking die hen al meerdere malen naar het hoofd is geslingerd. Het is de Elbe niet kwalijk te
nemen dat zij een verwoeste indruk maakt. Tot twee keer toe zonk de sleper vorig jaar en werd
zij besmeurd met modder en zand. Zonder de maandenlange aandacht en inzet van de ruim
veertig vrijwilligers was de zeesleper verworden tot een schroothoop zonder waarde en zou zij
bij de sloper zijn beland. Het opknappen van de Elbe is in de ogen van velen onbegonnen werk.
De boot oogt als een roestbak. Maar daar denken de werkers heel anders over. Dat blijkt als de
mannen aan het vertellen gaan. Hoewel ieder een andere relatie heeft met de Elbe, kennen ze
allemaal de historie van de sleepboot. De één heeft er als kleine jonge ademloos naar staan
kijken, andere werklui hebben als matroos of hulp op het schip gevaren. Vrijwilliger Teunis
Breederveld kent de Elbe maar al te goed. ,,Ik kwam een keer met mijn vrouw aangefietst en
toen zag ik 'm tot mijn verbazing liggen,'' zegt hij. ,,Kijk, daar heb ik ook op gevaren, zei ik tegen
haar.'' Breederveld fietste langs en raakte aan de praat. ,,Van het één kwam het ander en nu
sta ik hier op het dek te verven,'' zegt hij lachend. Hij vindt het niet alleen leuk om te helpen, het
werk doet hem ook herinneren aan zijn tijd als runner op de zeesleper. Het was zijn taak om er
voor te zorgen dat het aangelijnde schip de Elbe zonder obstakels kon volgen. Uit de
zeemansverhalen' van Breederveld blijkt dat hij, net als de andere vrijwilligers, een speciale
band heeft met de Elbe. Het raakt hem dan ook diep dat de boot zo is verwaarloosd.
Breederveld wijt dat aan de tijd waarin de sleper onder Greenpeace voer. ,,Ze hebben de ziel
uit de sleper gehaald.''Het doel van de werkers is dan ook de Elbe terug te brengen in de
originele staat. De vrijwilligers hebben voorlopig nog wel even de tijd. Volgens planning moet de
opknapbeurt van de Elbe in 2009 worden afgerond. In dat jaar zal de zeesleper haar vijftigste
verjaardag vieren en als het even kan moet dat volgens de werkers in stijl. Pors: ,,De Elbe moet
weer kunnen varen en stralen als eens te voren.'' (Door Fernanda de Bruijn)
FARSTAD WINS US$22.5M CONTRACTS
Wednesday, 17 August 2005 A SUBSIDIARY of Norwegian-based offshore support specialist
Farstad Shipping ASA has secured contracts worth at least US$22.5m. P/R International
Offshore Services has been awarded a contract by Woodside Energy Limited (WEL) for the
provision on two anchor-handling supply vessels, the 1982-built Lady Dawn and the 1983-built
Lady Valisia to support Woodside's drilling program offshore north-west Australia for a duration
of between 480 - 540 days commencing mid-August 2005. In addition, the Japan Vietnam
Petroleum Company (JVPC) has exercised its contract option with IOS to extend the charter of
the 1987-built AHTS vessel Lady Cynthia for 12 months from mid-September 2005 in support of
JVPC's drilling programme off southern Vietnam. (Bron: Leo Kramer)
Sartor
Shipping company Sartor AS of Sotra in Norway joined forces with Irish Mainport Holdings Ltd,
based in Cork, to combine their North Sea Operations in the multi-role/standby sector in the
offshore oil industry. Both companies, who are market leaders in their respective countries.
Ocean Mainport Offshore Limited will continue to seek opportunities for expansion in the ERRV,
Multi role and PSV market and they expect to acquire further vessels in the near future. The
new fleet comprises of Viking Fighter, Ocean Fighter, Viking Prince, Ocean Sky, Siggbas, Sartor
and Ocean Mainport with the finance for the purchase being provided by Bank of Scotland
(Ireland) through their Cork office. (Bron:O.S.L.)
Offshore Shipbrokers Ltd. Reported newbuild
Solstad has ordered a Vik-Sandvik designed AHTS from Flekkfjord Slipp for delivery in 2007 at
a cost of NOK 400 million.
Bourbon Offshore has now signed a contract with Ulstein Verft for the construction of two
Ulstein PX105s. These will be the first two platform supply vessels with the Ulstein X-Bow.
Earlier this year the shipowner contracted the first anchor handling vessel with this type of bow.
Havila Shipping ASA has entered into a new building contract with Havyard Leirvik AS for two
AHTS vessels of a new Rolls Royce design called UT 786 CD. The vessels will have a bollard
pull above 200 t. The vessels are designed to work in all AHTS markets around the world
including the Barents Sea. Ship number one will be delivered first quarter 2007, and ship
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
number second quarter 2007. The contracts have a value around NOK 300 mill each. Havila
Shipping ASA has the option to cancel vessel number two within mid January 2006.
Rem Maritime is to build a MPSV of the MT6016 design at Kleven Verft at a cost of NOK 235
million and with delivery is September 2006.
Lewek Shipping Pte, has placed an order for two 8,000 bhp AHTS with the Cheoy Lee Shipyard
in China, with delivery in early and late 2007.
Viking Offshore Services has announced a contract to build at least six new field support rescue
vessels. The vessels will be built at the Astilleros Zamakona shipyard in Bilbao, Spain, with the
newbuild programme valued at over GBP 36 million. The contract also carries an option for a
further three vessels with the first vessel is expected to deliver during the last quarter of 2006.
Havila has taken a vessel of VS470 MkII design being built at the Kleven Verft yard on bareboat
charter. The vessel, due for delivery in September, is to be named named Havila Eternity and
has secured a term charter with Maersk Oil & Gas for a period of one year firm.
Sealion Shipping Ltd has announced an order has been placed with the Wuchang Shipyard in
China for the building of three very large DP Platform Supply Vessels for delivery in early 2007.
The vessels will be upgraded versions of the VS483 design of PSV already in service with them.
No contract price has been disclosed.
OH Meling has signed a contract with Kleven Verft for the construction of a Multi-Purpose
supply Vessel of the MT6000 MkII design. The contract is valued at around NOK 205 million
with the vessel is scheduled to deliver in December 2006.
Offshore Shipbrokers Ltd. Reprted Second-Hand
Standby vessel Grampian City (Blt.1976 – 1700BHP) has been sold to Danish Shipbreakers for
guaranteed demolition on private terms and has already been delivered.
Cable layer Ocean Challenger (Blt.2000 – 14400BHP) has been sold to Geco ASA for a
reported price of NOK 245,000,000.
Tidewater’s sale of the 6 KMAR404 AHTS to Deep Sea Supply ASA now appears to have been
concluded at a total price of USD 188 million which gives and average of over USD 31 million
each. A very healthy price and profit to the Sellers.
DSV Merlin (Blt.1981 – 3000BHP) has been sold to Nigerian interests with delivery already
effected in July.
PSV Normand Vibrand (BLt.2000 – 5460BHP)has been sold to Indian Buyers with delivery year
end on private terms.
PSV Far Scotsman (Blt.1982 – 6760BHP) has been sold to Secunda Marine Services Canada
including the balance of the current Peak contract. Farstad reported the sales price to the
Norwegian stock market as USD 6,500,000.
Ugelstad Norway has sold the UT755L PSV Devries Tide (Blt.2002 – 5460BHP) to Tidewater on
private terms. The vessel had been on BB charter to them for sometime.
Solstad Orders Large Construction Vessel
8/19/2005 11:15:25 AM Ulstein Verft AS will build a large construction vessel for Solstad. The
contract is worth around $98.8 million and the vessel will be delivered in May 2007. “We have
won this demanding project in competition with several other shipyards and the contract
confirms that Ulstein Verft is a leader when it comes to offshore construction vessels, and our
good cooperation with Solstad,” said Tore Ulstein, the president of Ulstein Verft. The vessel is
going to be used for very demanding marine operations, and during the last two years Ulstein
Verft has signed contracts for two major conversions and two new builds within the offshore
construction market, all ordered from Solstad. “We have a tight delivery schedule ahead with
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
deliveries of new builds every second or third month, but we appreciate having a lot to do,” said
Harald Møller, Ulstein Verft’s sales manager. The vessel is around the same size as build
number 271, “Normand Installer”, which is currently under construction at Ulstein Verft, and is
one of the largest build projects at the shipyard so far. Vik-Sandvik is responsible for the design.
“This vessel will be a few meters longer, otherwise the differences have more to do with its
outfitting,” said Møller. “The vessel is going to be used for offshore construction work and will,
among other things, be equipped with a moonpool, a 250 metric ton heave compensated crane,
and class 3 dynamic positioning (DP3). It will have diesel electric propulsion. With a length of
130 metres, beam of 28 metres and steel weighing around 5,700 metric tons the vessel will
loom large in Ulstein Verft’s dock hall. The hull will be built at Maritim-Shipyard Sp. z.o.o. in
Poland, while the superstructure will be built at the Ulstein Verft’s Vanylven department. Solstad
Shipping is focusing strongly on the offshore and construction market. Of their current fleet of 40
vessels, 9 are platform supply vessels, while the other 31 are anchor handling vessels or
offshore construction vessels. “We are concentrating on becoming one of the leading operators
within the construction market. We believe that future growth in the offshore industry will take
place outside the North Sea. As far as we are concerned there will be fewer supply tasks,
instead the number of construction and subsea tasks will increase,” says Lars Peder Solstad,
Solstad’s managing director. “We chose Ulstein Verft because they have demonstrated they are
able to build advanced vessels in the agreed timeframe,” he says. (Bron:Marinelink.)
Aker Yards to build PSV for Olympic
8/19/2005 11:14:20 AM Aker Yards signed a contract worth approximately $22.8 million with Olympic
Shipping to build a Platform Supply Vessel of the MT 6009 design. Delivery is scheduled for
December 2006. "We are pleased to have received another newbuilding order from Olympic
Shipping," said Roy Reite, in charge of Aker Yards' Offshore & Specialized Vessels business
area. "This contract confirms our long and good relationship with Olympic Shipping, which
currently has two vessels under construction at our yards". Vessel type MT 6009, Platform
Supply Vessel. Contract value $22.8M. Delivery yard Aker Brattvaag: Aker Aukra. Delivery time
December 2006 Length 74.3 m Breadth 16.4 m DWT 3300 Design Marin Teknikk AS
(Bron:Marinelink.)
Viking Offshore orders in Spain
UK-based North Sea emergency response and rescue services provider Viking Offshore
Services has ordered six new purpose-built standby vessels, plus options on a further three,
from Spain’s Astilleros Zamakona shipyard in Bilbao. Including the options, the deal is worth
£55m (US$99m). A Viking statement says: “Work will get under way later this year with the first
vessel expected to be delivered in the last quarter of 2006, in a rolling programme of
construction.” The company says the move added to the company’s fleet in a major
modernisation programme that also paves the way for Viking Offshore to expand into other
European oil and gas markets. IMT Marine Consultants of Montrose, Scotland, designed the
new vessels, which incorporate features from Viking’s previous new-build programmes along
with a number of new and innovative features. Commenting on what Viking believes to be the
largest single investment in new tonnage in the history of the ERRV industry, Viking Offshore
Services chief executive Graham Philip said: “The scale of this investment reaffirms our
determination to remain a leading, long-term player in offshore standby and emergency
response services. It reflects our commitment to the provision of the highest standards of
operational and safety management whilst continually seeking improvement and innovation”.
The Aberdeen-based company is the largest operator of dedicated standby vessels in the North
Sea. It changed its name in June 2005 to Viking Offshore Services from BUE Viking, to reflect
the acquisition of 100% ownership of the company in August 2004 by Viking Supply Ships A/S,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Norwegian investment firm Kistefos A/S. (Bron:Shipping News)
Tug boat to tackle reef groundings
The Federal Government of Australia will station a tug boat in north Queensland to respond to
accidents on the Great Barrier Reef. Transport Minister Warren Truss says the emergency
service will be put up for tender shortly. He says there are no tug boat services on the northern
reef at present. "The most suitable vessels to undertake this kind of work would have to come
from southern Australia, now that's an unsatisfactory situation, so much damage could be done
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
to the reef or other pristine parts of our environment while we're waiting for such a vessel to
arrive," he said. (Bron:Shipping News)
Toisa orders PSVs from China
Sealion Shipping’s subsidiary, Toisa, has placed an order with the Wuchang Shipyard in China
for the building of three very large DP platform supply vessels. These three new vessels are to
be upgraded versions of the very successful VS483 design of PSV already in service with
Sealion Shipping and others in the North Sea. They have been designated as VS483 MkII and
have a length of 87.4 m, a beam of 19 m and a deadweight of 4,900 tonnes. Sealion Shipping,
working alongside the designers, Vik-Sandvik, has developed and enhanced the original vessel
design in order to meet the future needs of the offshore oil and gas industry worldwide.
Emphasis has been placed on maximising cargo capacities and enhancing the vessels sea
keeping characteristics. The Wuchang Shipyard in China are currently building three 12,000
BHP Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels for Toisa Ltd, whose design was also developed in
conjunction with Vik-Sandvik, The highly favourable impression gained by the shipyards
performance to date was a major factor in deciding to place the building contract for these three
new PSV's with Wuchang. (Bron:Shipping News)
Island Offshore back at Aker
Norway’s Aker Yards has won another platform supply ship order from domestic owner Island
Offshore. The NOK 232m ($36.07m) vessel is a UT 776 E-type and comes with an option for a
similar vessel. It will be built by Aker Brevik’s Romanian subsidiary and delivered in December
2006. This is the fifteenth contract between the two groups (Bron:Shipping News)
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
6 e jaargang, nr. 26
dd. 28 Augustus 2005
_______________________________________________________________
Aankoop, verkoop, nieuwbouw, vernoemingen, etc.
Eta
De Eta ex. Clevelandman-89, ex. Anglian Man-88, ex. Motorman-83, die in 2003 naar Italië was
verkocht is nu tot een yacht verbouwd en de eigenaar is Eta s.r.l, Rome. (Bron: Lawrence
Amboldt)
Deben
De Deben is in Adsteam Deben hernoemt, maar werkt steeds te Felixtowe. (Bron: Lawrence
Amboldt)
Ultramar XII
Gigilinis heeft de ULTRAMAR XII (ex. Toga-87) gekocht en in Captain Michalis hernoemt.
(Bron: Lawrence Amboldt)
Materiaal voor de ELBE uit India aangekomen
Door Nico Ouwehand "Hebben wij in Nederland geen goede materialen meer beschikbaar,
waarmee zeeslepers uit de jaren vijftig kunnen worden opgeknapt ?", zo zult u zich wellicht
afvragen. Bij scheepsantiquariaten en in verstofte hoekjes van magazijnen van toeleveranciers
van werven zal best nog iets te vinden zijn, maar als blijkt dat onderdelen van een voormalige
Nederlandse zeesleper in Bombay nog simpelweg voorhanden zijn, dan is het zaak zo snel
mogelijk actie te ondernemen. De restanten van de sleepboot Noordzee, die al vele jaren in
India op slopers lagen te wachten, bleken voor de restaurateurs van de in Maassluis liggende
Elbe een uitkomst te zijn. De kleine sleper (slechts 1000 pk sterk) werd, evenals de Elbe
destijds in Kinderdijk gebouwd. Na bijna twintig jaar trouwe dienst voor L. Smit & Co's
Internationale Sleepdienst werd het vaartuig in 1968 aan een rederij in Joegoslavië
verkocht. Daar bleek ze goed voor nog eens tien jaar uitstekende diensten, waarna een reder in
India nog brood zag in de sierlijke sleper. Dat dienstverband duurde toch even niet minder dan
elf jaar. Vervolgens ging het eigendom over naar een bergingsbedrijfje en tenslotte belandde
het schip, dat inmiddels Nand Anita heette in 1995 bij een tussenpersoon die vergeefs trachtte
het toen sterk verouderde scheepje aan de man te brengen. Van een goed in de verf zittende
en technisch nog complete zeesleper veranderde de voormalige Noordzee in enkele jaren tijds
in een half in de modder scheef weggezakt verroest wrak met gaten, waaraan geen eer meer
viel te behalen. Via het Nationaal Sleepvaartmuseum, waar werd geïnformeerd of onderdelen
die in het Verre Oosten werden aangeboden als zijnde afkomstig van de voormalige Noordzee,
ook werkelijk van dat schip zouden kunnen zijn geweest, kwam de Elbe-staf op de hoogte van
de mogelijkheden. Een aantal van die onderdelen zou uitstekend op de Elbe dienst kunnen
doen en zijn passend voor de techniek die in 1959 bij de bouw van dat schip werd toegepast.
Na moeizaam onderhandelen over de prijs (de financiële mogelijkheden van de Elbe-Stichting
zijn uiterst beperkt) werd men het eens. In een met de Indiase slag in elkaar getimmerde houten
krat kwam verleden week meer dan 300 kilo onderdelen in de loods aan de Govert van
Wijnkade in Maassluis aan. Wat zat er in die krat? We noemen een paar opmerkelijke zaken:
Twee stuurwielen, een machinekamertelegraaf, een stuurstand, diverse klokken, kompassen,
een sextant, een olielampje, kortom een schat aan materiaal dat zorgvuldig en achter slot en
grendel is opgeborgen, totdat de Elbe zover is om hiermee te worden uitgerust.
De vrijwilligers zijn de koning te rijk. Een gebeurtenis als deze geeft extra motivatie om op de
ingeslagen weg verder te gaan. (Bron: Nico Ouwehand)
Short translation:
After a message to the National Towage Museum at Maassluis, the Netherlands, it turned out
that some parts of the former Dutch tug Noordzee, built in 1949 were for sale. This ship (1000
hp), like ELBE, was constructed at Kinderdijk and was sold to Yougoslavia in 1968. She served
there for about ten years. Subsequently she was resold to India, where she became Nand
Anita. For a.o. Essar Bulkcarriers she sailed in Asian waters for another eleven
years. In 1995 she became the property of a shipbroker, who in vain tried to sell her. In a period
of only several years she turned from a well equipped and good looking old tug into a leaky
rusty old listing wreck. After difficult negotiations (the ELBE foundation has only very limited
funds as you know) it was agreed with the present owner of the remains of Nand Anita, that
several parts would be shipped to Maassluis. Last week in a wooden crate the promised
shipment arrived. Two steering wheels, an engineroom telegraph, various clocks, compasses, a
sextant, an oil-lamp etc., fabricated around the time that ELBE was built, are quite suitable to be
used for the restauration of this ship. The group of volunteers are very happy and more than
motivated to continue their work. (Bron: Nico Ouwehand)
River tug in distress on Volga
A RT-456 river tug is in distress on the Volga River near Saratov, the local rescue service said.
The vessel was seriously damaged after a clash with an unknown object while moving between
the coastline and the Kazachy Island Saturday afternoon. The crew is currently trying to rescue
the tug and pumping the water. The Emergency Situations Ministry warned against a possible
leak of oil products from the tug's fuel tanks. Oil booms were delivered to the site of the accident
to prevent the river pollution. (Bron: Shipping News)
Organisatie wijzigingen Smit Transport & Heavy Lift
Vanaf vandaag (22 augustus 2005) zullen enkele wijzigingen plaatsvinden binnen Transport,
Heavy Lift en Marine Projects in Europa. Zoals bekend is de rationalisatie Heavy Lift en
daarmee het stopzetten van de aktiviteiten van de kleinere bokken van Heavy Lift in Nederland
inmiddels afgerond. Alleen de “Taklift 1” blijft nog tot 1 december a.s. werkzaamheden voor ons
verrichten in verband met een project in Venezuela. Ten gevolge van de rationalisatie en gezien
de ontwikkelingen van Marine Projects zullen de structuur en rapportagelijnen van Transport
Europe, Heavy Lift Europe en Marine Projects wijzigen. (Bron: Smit)
Aker Kvaerner Charters Offshore Construction Vessels
8/23/2005 9:40:47 AM Aker Marine Contractors, part of the Aker Kvaerner group, has entered into an
agreement with Taubåtkompaniet AS securing full marketing and operational control over the
specialized offshore construction vessels "Boa Deep C" and "Boa Deep C II". The agreement
runs for five years with options for extensions up to four more years, and is expected to
significantly enhance the company's position in the deep water subsea and floating production
markets. The new agreement builds on the positive results achieved following Aker Marine
Contractor's introduction of "Boa Deep C" in May 2004 on contracts for Statoil, Woodside and
Modec. The vessel has since its introduction seen almost full utilization, and is currently
operating in the Gulf of Mexico. Aker Marine Contractors is owned by Aker Kvaerner and
Taubåtkompaniet in a 60/40 split. "We have a long track record of successful projects executed
alone and in close partnership with our owners", says Torgeir Ramstad, President of Aker
Marine Contractors. The "Boa Deep C II" is currently being outfitted in Spain and is expected to
enter the market at the end of 2006. This second vessel will have enhanced capabilities making
it an ideal tool for working with difficult assignments in particularly harsh environments. Subsea
construction and installation work can be performed down to water depths of 3,000 m, lifting
payloads of up to 400 metric tons. The vessels have built in state-of-the-art systems and
duplication of key equipment providing for generous safety margins under most conditions. Aker
Marine Contractors primarily intends to employ the vessels on projects around the Atlantic rim.
(Bron: Marinelink)
K-Sea to acquire Sea Coast towing
K-Sea Transportation Partners L.P. To Acquire Major West Coast Marine
Transportation Operator; Sea Coast Towing Acquisition to Expand Capacity By
27.1%; K-Sea to Become Largest Coastwise Tank Barge Operator in the U.S.
Publication date: 2005-08-23 K-Sea Transportation Partners L.P. (NYSE: KSP) announced
today that it has agreed to acquire Sea Coast Towing, Inc. of Seattle, Washington ("Sea Coast")
from Marine Resources Group, Inc., also of Seattle, for approximately $81 million. Sea Coast
operates fifteen tank barges and fifteen tugboats, representing 694,000 barrels of capacity, of
which 316,000 barrels are double-hulled. Of the remaining single hulled capacity, approximately
80% is eligible to operate in the Jones Act trades until January 2015, with the remaining
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
capacity (one vessel) eligible until January 2008. The addition of these tank barges will
represent a 27.1% increase in the barrel-carrying capacity of the K-Sea fleet to over 3.2
million barrels, which the Company believes makes it the largest coastwise
tank barge operator, measured by barrel-carrying capacity, in the United States. The purchase
price will consist of $77 million in cash and 125,000 of K-Sea's common units. K-Sea expects to
finance the cash portion of the purchase price through additional borrowings. The transaction is
expected to close in late October, subject to customary closing conditions, and should
be immediately accretive to K-Sea's distributable cash flow.Timothy J. Casey, President and
CEO of K-Sea, said, "We look forward to welcoming Sea Coast's employees to our Company.
This transaction will expand our geographical presence to the West Coast which provides
another platform for future growth. It also significantly increases our barrel-carrying capacity
which, we believe, strengthens K-Sea's position as a leading provider of refined petroleum
products transportation services in the U.S. and expands our ability to provide safe, reliable,
and efficient service to our customers." Paul E. Stevens, President and CEO of Marine
Resources Group, Inc. stated, "We are pleased that K-Sea shares our vision of quality, safety
and reliable service. We welcome the opportunity to continue to provide services to Sea
Coast with our other companies as we focus on our core businesses." By early 2006, after
delivery of three previously announced double-hulled tank barges currently under construction,
totaling an additional 160,000 barrels, K-Sea's total barrel-carrying capacity of over 3.4 million
barrels will have increased by over 1.1 million barrels, or 48%, from capacity at the time of the
Company's initial public offering in January 2004, despite the phase-out of almost 328,000
barrels under OPA 90 requirements. K-Sea Transportation Partners provides refined petroleum
products marine transportation, distribution and logistics services in the U.S. domestic marine
transportation business, and its Master Limited Partnership Units trade on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol KSP. For additional information about K-Sea Transportation
Partners L.P., please visit K-Sea's website, including the Investor Relations section, at www.ksea.com.
Marine Resources Group, Inc. of Seattle, Washington was established in 2000 by
privately-held Saltchuk Resources, Inc. as a holding and support company for its investments in
tug, barge and ancillary marine service companies. MRG has one of the largest and most
capable harbor and coastal tug and cargo barge fleets in the United States and offers a broad
range of services. MRG companies operate around the Pacific Rim and internationally.
Cautionary Statements This press release contains forward looking statements, which include
any statements that are not historical facts, such as the Company's expectations regarding the
closing of the Sea Coast transaction and the benefits to be derived therefrom, the timing of
placing the acquired vessels in service, accretion, the timing of delivery of tank barges currently
under construction, and the percentage of the Company's fleet which will be double-hulled by
early 2006. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to,
insufficient cash from operations, a decline in demand for refined petroleum products, a decline
in demand for tank vessel capacity, intense competition in the domestic tank barge industry, the
occurrence of marine accidents or other hazards, the loss of any of the Company's largest
customers, fluctuations in charter rates, delays or cost overruns in the construction of new
vessels, failure to comply with the Jones Act, modification or elimination of the Jones Act and
adverse developments in the marine transportation business and other factors detailed in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these risks
or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development change), or should
underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those
forecasted or expected. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or
revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
(Bron: Jan van der Doe)
Netto winst Smit Internationale N.V. stijgt met 30% in eerste halfjaar 2005
Rotterdam, 25 augustus 2005
• Divisie Harbour Towage presteert uitstekend. • Resultaat Divisie Terminals is aanzienlijk
gestegen. • Normaal werkaanbod voor Divisie Salvage. • Divisie Transport & Heavy Lift
presteert volgens verwachting minder.
HALFJAARCIJFERS 2005
• De netto winst stijgt van EUR 14,4 miljoen naar EUR 18,8 miljoen. • Het bedrijfsresultaat stijgt
van EUR 18,5 miljoen in de eerste helft van 2004 naar EUR 20,1 miljoen in de eerste helft van
2005. • In het bedrijfsresultaat is in 2005 een (per saldo) bijzondere last begrepen van EUR 1,4
miljoen (eerste halfjaar 2004: EUR 1,0 miljoen bijzondere last). • Het resultaat van de niet-
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
geconsolideerde deelnemingen bedroeg EUR 5,3 miljoen ten opzichte van EUR 3,6 miljoen
vorig jaar. • De rentelast bedroeg EUR 2,3 miljoen (2004: EUR 1,8 miljoen). • De netto winst per
aandeel, gecorrigeerd voor ingekochte aandelen, bedraagt EUR 2,46 ten opzichte van EUR
1,89 over de eerste helft van 2004. • Over geheel 2005 wordt een netto resultaat verwacht
welke belangrijk hoger zal zijn dan de over 2004 verantwoorde netto winst die EUR 27,4 miljoen
bedroeg. Ontwikkeling per Divisie
DIVISIE HARBOUR TOWAGE
Havensleepdiensten en gerelateerde maritieme diensten.
Bedrijfsresultaat eerste halfjaar 2005: EUR 9,0 miljoen (eerste halfjaar 2004: EUR
4,7 miljoen). De aanzienlijke resultaatverbetering ten opzichte van vorig jaar wordt veroorzaakt
door hogere omzetten in Rotterdam, Canada en Zuid-Afrika. In Rotterdam waren een groter
aantal assistenties alsmede een hoger gemiddeld tarief door onder andere de aanpassing aan
de inflatie, de redenen van deze stijging. Ook in Canada en Zuid-Afrika was een toename van
het aantal assistenties te zien. SMIT verwacht de ontwikkeling in de Harbour Towage Divisie in
het tweede halfjaar
te kunnen voortzetten met inachtneming van het seizoenspatroon. Het bedrijfsresultaat over
2005 zal naar verwachting aanzienlijk hoger zijn dan over 2004.
DIVISIE TERMINALS
Maritiem management en ondersteuning aan offshore en onshore terminals.
Bedrijfsresultaat eerste halfjaar 2005: EUR 7,7 miljoen (eerste halfjaar 2004: EUR
3,0 miljoen). De belangrijkste reden voor de verbetering van het resultaat ten opzichte van vorig
jaar is de uitbreiding van de activiteiten in Gabon en Zuid-Afrika. Tevens zijn in het eerste helft
van het jaar incidentele duikcontracten uitgevoerd welke aanmerkelijk tot het resultaat
bijdroegen (EUR 1,0 miljoen). Ook droegen kostenreducties en het beëindigen van de
verliesgevende contracten bij tot een beter resultaat. In het resultaat van het eerste halfjaar
2005 is tevens begrepen een boekwinst op verkoop schepen van EUR 0,6 miljoen (2004: nihil).
In de eerste helft van 2005 zijn geen nieuwe lange termijn contracten gesloten. Naar
verwachting zal het jaarresultaat voor de Divisie in lijn zijn met het eerste halfjaar waarbij
rekening gehouden is met de incidentele posten.
DIVISIE SALVAGE
Berging, wrakopruiming, milieuzorg en advisering.
Bedrijfsresultaat eerste halfjaar 2005: EUR 3,8 miljoen (eerste halfjaar 2004: EUR
8,9 miljoen). De Divisie Salvage heeft een iets hoger bedrijfsresultaat behaald ten opzichte van
het zogenaamde historische gemiddelde resultaat. Het werkaanbod was beperkt in omvang. In
Alaska werd de olie verwijderd uit de “Selendang Ayu”en in Brazilië werd het wrak van de
“Vicuna” opgeruimd, projecten welke prima passen in de gekozen strategie. Op de valreep van
het halfjaar werd een contract afgesloten voor de “Thunder Horse” in de Golf van Mexico wat
inmiddels in het tweede halfjaar succesvol is beëindigd. Gezien het resultaat over het eerste
halfjaar verwachten wij voor het gehele jaar 2005 een resultaat iets hoger dan het historische
gemiddelde van EUR 5,0 miljoen per jaar.
DIVISIE TRANSPORT & HEAVY LIFT
Pontonverhuur, zwaar transport, (zee)sleepvaart, zwaar hijswerk, uitvoering en
ondersteuning van civiele werken op het water.
Bedrijfsresultaat eerste halfjaar 2005: EUR 2,2 miljoen (eerste halfjaar 2004: EUR
5,6 miljoen). Conform de verwachting is het resultaat over de eerste helft 2005 gedaald omdat
in de eerste helft van 2004 nog grote heavy lift projecten liepen zoals Barracuda Caratinga en
Tricolor. De resultaten van de transport activiteiten zowel in Europa als in het Verre Oosten
waren zeer bevredigend. Zoals reeds eerder gemeld worden de activiteiten van de kleine
bokken gestopt. Hiervoor is het eerste halfjaar een éénmalige last genomen van EUR 2,2
miljoen. Op basis van de orderportefeuille is de verwachting dat in het tweede halfjaar een
ongeveer gelijk operationeel resultaat als over het eerste halfjaar kan worden behaald.
NIET-GECONSOLIDEERDE DEELNEMINGEN
Het resultaat van de niet-geconsolideerde deelnemingen in het eerste halfjaar 2005
bedraagt EUR 5,3 miljoen (eerste halfjaar 2004: EUR 3,6 miljoen).
Met name de joint ventures in Harbour Towage (URS en Keppel Smit) dragen bij aan de
verbetering van het resultaat. Daarnaast presteerden Asian Lift en SmitWijs
Towage conform verwachting. Vooruitzichten De resultaten exclusief de bijzondere posten van
de Harbour Towage en Terminals Divisies zullen zich naar verwachting consolideren in het
tweede halfjaar. Het resultaat van de Divisie Salvage blijft onvoorspelbaar. Voor de tweede helft
van 2005 is dit gebaseerd op het historische gemiddelde. Door het ontbreken van éénmalige
J. van der Ster – Marcol Archief Productie
lasten en te verwachten boekwinsten zal het resultaat over het tweede halfjaar van de Divisie
Transport & Heavy Lift fors hoger zijn. Voor het gehele jaar 2005 wordt een netto winst
verwacht, welke belangrijk hoger zal zijn dan de over 2004 verantwoorde netto winst die EUR
27,4 miljoen bedroeg. (Bron: Smit)
SmitWijs Singapore Reports.
Ons 'uitstapje' via de Azoren goed verlopen. Het weer daarna niet, geleidelijk aan kwamen we
onder de invloed van de problemen van het thuisland, slechter wordende weer condities dus.
De 24e ter hoogte van Ouessant begon het flink door te waaien, 7 a 8 met een lekker
oplopende deining uit het westen/noordwesten. Het hinderde de vaart niet echt, ondanks het
verminderd motorvermogen bleven we dankzij de zuidwestelijke wind toch nog een dikke 6 mijl
lopen. Dokje lag er wat vreemd achter, maar dat gaf verder ook geen problemen. Op een
gegeven moment kwam er nog wel via via van de verzekering om maar te gaan wachten op
een escort-boot(je), want ze merkten dat het niet echt mooi weer was. Onze schouders maar
opgehaald en gewoon doorgegaan. De bedoeling was dat we bij Roscoff 4 duitse runners aan
boord van het dokje zouden nemen, maar dat moest 5 mijl uit de wal gebeuren. Dit maar verzet
naar ter hoogte van Cherbourg, daar het zelfde, kom maar 5 mijl van de pieren. Ook dit maar
weer geweigerd. Uiteindelijk is dan (mede door het verhaal van de escort-boot) maar besloten
de runners vanuit Cherbourg op de Fairplay 23 te zetten en deze achter ons aan te laten komen
om zo de 4 man over tezetten. Aldus geschiedde en gister op ongeveer 20 mijl van Boulogne
zaten de Heinzen op hun dokje. Vervolgens Straat Dover doorgeblazen en op het moment op
de Noordzee, met een bries van achter. De Fairplay 23 is dwars van Rotterdam rechtsaf
geslagen. Momenteel 50 mijl west van Den Helder. Komen morgenavond bij de Jade/Weser
loods aan, maar hebben hier nog geen flauw benul hoe een en ander dan verder gaat verlopen.
