Milford Haven News

Svitzer adds new vessel to its fleet of tugs on waterway

4:50pm Friday 3rd September 2010

WITH ten tugs already operating in and around the Milford Haven waterway, Svitzer is celebrating the arrival of its 11th, which will be assisting the oil and gas sector customer contracts in the area.

Svitzer Pembroke, currently docked at the company’s Carr Jetty in Pembroke Dock, will aid the fleet of tugs on existing contracts with local refineries and LNG terminals.

The tug also has the capability to work in the offshore market and most importantly can be used for salvage and emergency response in the western approaches and Irish Sea.

Although she is a brand new vessel, she is expected to be ready for operation next week.

Svitzer Marine Superintendent, Robert Humphreys said: “She is our 11th tug, but she is slightly different from the others.

“She is perfect for LNG and refinery work, but she can also operate anywhere in the world, she has huge capability, with a winch on the stern ideal for coastal towing.

“Although she can operate just about anywhere, she will based here and managed from here.”

He also described the versatility of the tug, adding: “We currently have two escort tugs working for South Hook LNG and we have one off St Ives supporting cable laying for offshore windfarms and this is the ideal vessel to do all that kind of stuff.”

Mr Humphreys also revealed the mammoth force that the tug possesses, with her two engines capable of producing 100 metric tonnes of force.

“Although she was built in Spain, maintenance and dry docking will take place in the local yards here,” he added.

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