Tag: towing vessels

In its most recent maritime feedback, CHIRP reports about the fatigue in the international towage sector.

Port of Antwerp announced it is converting a tug to methanol propulsion, as part of the EU-funded Fastwater project, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of methanol as a sustainable marine fuel. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=negQkbdEEHE South Asia’s first remote joystick control of a tugboat recently took place in the busy Port of Singapore, as part of a joint project of technology company ABB with Singaporean shipyard Keppel Offshore & Marine. The trial of remotely operating the harbor tug from a shore command center located at MPA Singapore’s Maritime Innovation Lab was successfully performed in April 2021. The trial marked a milestone for safer tug operations in a port presenting one of the most complex settings for autonomous harbor operations in the world, with more than 130,000 vessels calling annually.  The intent of this technology is to relieve the crew of tasks that can be automated, enabling them to perform at their best during critical periods and enhancing the overall safety and productivity of marine operations. This trial also confirms the possibility for application of remote and autonomous technology to other vessel types, ...said Juha Koskela, Division President, ABB Marine & Ports. The technology was retrofitted on the 32-m harbor tugboat Maju 510, owned and operated by Keppel O&M’s joint-venture company ...

The British Tugowners Association (BTA) published guidance in order to explain how does an operator purchase a rope that does the job required of it, what does success look like for the procurement process, and what does an unsuccessful towing system look like.

The US Coast Guard issued two policy letters providing updated guidance for Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection with respect to harbor assist towing beyond the boundary line and use of doublers on Subchapter M towing vessels. 

USCG issued a policy letter providing guidance on the use of doubler plates for repairs involving towing vessels constructed of steel.

The US Coast Guard reminded US flag towing vessel owners and operators that their vessels must possess the appropriate certificates and endorsements for the intended voyage.

USCG reminded that owners and managing operators of towing vessels are responsible for ensuring that 75% of their respective fleets receive a Certificate of Inspection (COI) before 19 July 2021, in accordance with 46 CFR 136.202.

The USCG has informed of an increasing failure rate amongst the inspected towing vessel fleet with regards to fixed and portable emergency dewatering equipment failing to operate as designed.

NTSB issued an investigation report on the contact of the towing vessel Savage Voyager with Jamie Whitten Lock & Dam, Mississippi, in September 2019. The investigation established that the crew did not effectively monitor and maintain the vessel’s position during its descent.