In its 57th issue of November, CHIRP discusses of a report from a large container ship highlighting difficulties securing tugs in a specific port, presenting the challenges of the design of the tugs and safety measures that some companies do not follow.
CHIRP recently published its 57th issue focusing on tug operations, specifically on an unsafe towing practice observed aboard a harbour tug assisting a container vessel during a port manoeuvring operation, highlighting the importance of all crewmembers being fully in line with their company’s SMS.
Zurich-based technology company ABB announced the signing of a contract with Singaporean shipyard Keppel Offshore & Marine to jointly develop an autonomous tug to operate from 2020. Upon project completion, the vessel is anticipated to be South Asia’s first autonomous tug.
A team of tugboat masters just finished a training programme in Denmark as part of a strategic sector cooperation between Denmark and Ghana. The training provided the tugboat masters with new tools on how to perform tugboat missions in the Port of Tema.
Port of Antwerp has ordered construction of a tug powered by hydrogen, the first in the world. This ‘Hydrotug’ is driven by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with diesel. The motors also comply with the very strictest standard, the EU Stage V.
The American Waterways Operators (AWO) released a short educational video on the contributions of the American tugboat, towboat and barge industry to the US economy and security. The video forms part of the Spotlight On educational video series.
The number of incidents involving tug boats towing barges has seen a rise in the Singapore Strait, with a total of 14 incidents reported only in 2019 (until 15th August). Of these, nine incidents reported loss of scrap metal from their barges.
New Zealand’s Ports of Auckland announced the signing of a contract with Dutch company Damen Shipyards to buy the world’s first full-size, fully electric port tug. This comes in line with the port’s commitment to be zero emission by 2040, as previously announced.
US Coast Guard pollution responders informed that they are responding to a report of a tug that sank at the Port Orchard Railway Marina in Port Townsend, Washington, on Monday July 29. 250 gallons of red dye diesel fuel and hydraulic oil have been recovered.
Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping launched the ‘Availability of Tugs of Opportunity in Canada’s Pacific Region’ research report according to which there’s a possibility that Canada’s West Coast experiences some gaps in the availability of commercial tugs to serve as emergency towing vessels for ships in distress.
