Tag: tugs

While making fast to Thorco Crystal, the tug Arafura Sea Delta was affected by hydrodynamic interaction forces and subsequently collided with the ship. Arafura Sea Delta was one of two tugs assigned to assist Thorco Crystal’s berthing. The tugs collided about 2 nautical miles west of Humbug Point Wharf, Weipa, Queensland.

In October 2016, the articulated tug and barge Nathan E Stewart/DBL 55 ran aground on Edge Reef off Athlone Island, Canada, causing significant environmental damage, as 29,000 gallons of oil were released. Damage to the vessel and barge was estimated at $12 million.

The Wärtsilä HYTug focuses on environmental sustainability, operational efficiency, and lower fuel consumption. The new tug incorporates engines, an energy storage system using batteries, and power electronics optimised to work together through an energy management system.

American shipping company Foss Maritime and Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to construct at least 10 tugs, which will meet the demands of the U.S. tug assist and escort market. The tugs are expected to be delivered in 2019.

DeltaBreaker combines the features of tug, icebreaker and pusher with some added functionalities. The ship uses LNG as fuel, so as to reduce emissions, and the hull shape has low resistance with ability to break ice up to 0.6 m thick.

In the latest issue of its Safety Digest, UK MAIB presents a collision of a tug with its towing vessel, due to wrong judgement and poor communication. The report provides a description of what happened and important lessons learned to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Since they typically operate in or close to harbours and populated areas, tugs are particularly affected by environmental considerations, and the need for regulatory compliance is an increasing concern for tug owners and operators worldwide, Wartsila notes.

On August 2016, the semi-submersible rig Transocean Winner grounded on the Isle of Lewis, following the loss of tow from the tug ALP Forward. The tug and tow was on passage from Stavanger, Norway to Valletta, Malta, when it encountered severe weather west of the Hebrides.

Bureau Veritas has issued new rules for the Classification of Offshore Service Vessels and Tugs, including new class notations for pipelay vessels, accommodation units, offshore construction vessels and support vessels.