10Th Volume, No

15th Volume, No. 61 1963 – “51 years tugboatman” – 2014 Dated 21 September 2014 BUYING, SALES, NEW BUILDING, RENAMING AND OTHER TUGS TOWING & OFFSHORE INDUSTRY NEWS

TUGS & TOWING NEWS

STEEL CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE ALP STRIKER

The ALP Future project has reached a new milestone. Steel cutting for the first of the 4 ALP Future class vessels ALP Striker commenced on schedule on the 3th of September. The ceremony took place at the Niigata ShipYard in Japan. Representatives of Niigata Shipyard and ALP Maritime Services attended the ceremony and toasted for the safe project success afterwards. (Source: ALP Maritime Services)

FAIRMOUNT TUGS SUCCESFULLY DELIVERED FPSO PETROJARL KNARR TO NORWAY

Three tugs of Fairmount Marine have towed the brand new FPSO Petrojarl Knarr from South Korea to Norway in just 61 days. Petrojarl Knarr, one of world’s largest floating production and storage units (FPSO) for harsh environments, was delivered in the port of Haugesund, Norway, September 16th 2014. The entire voyage was under command of lead tug master Kees de Graaff on board of the leading tug Fairmount Sherpa. The newly delivered FPSO Petrojarl Knarr is 256.4 meters long and 48 meters wide with a dwt of 135,000 tons. The vessel is owned by Teekay Corporation and is build

1/24 15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

by Samsung Heavy Industries in Geoje, South Korea. Petrojarl Knarr will be deployed later in the Knarr oil and gas field offshore Norway. On her way to Norway the convoy has made stops in Singapore, Port Louis (Mauritius) and Las Palmas (Canary Islands) to take bunkers and for replenishments. For the last leg of the voyage the convoy sailed west of Ireland via Fair Isle (just south of the Shetland Isles) towards Norway. Offshore the port of Haugesund the Petrojarl Knarr was delivered ahead of schedule (Press Release: Fairmount). After 15.849 miles towing with Fairmount Expedition Fairmount Sherpa and Fairmount Glacier the FPSO was safely delivered on 16 september in Haugesund after 63 towing days. (Photo: Kees Pronk Towmaster o/b Petrojarl Knarr) The new floating production vessel Petrojarl Knarr has arrived from Korea at Aibel’s shipyard in Haugesund. Aibel will now prepare the FPSO before installation on the Knarr field in the Norwegian North Sea. The job provides for full employment at the yard for the upcoming weeks, before Petrojarl Knarr once again departs the Aibel yard by the end of September. “The preparation of Petrojarl Knarr emphasizes Aibel’s expertise in terms of the requirements on the Norwegian continental shelf. It also speaks volumes of the company’s versatile expertise and capacity at the shipyard in Haugesund,” Aibel said in a press release. The Petrojarl Knarr FPSO was built by Samsung in Korea for Teekay. The FPSO has a production capacity of 63,000 barrels a day, and a storage capacity of 800,000 barrels. The Petrojarl Knarr FPSO will operate on the Knarr field located west of Florø for BG Norge, a subsidiary of the British oil and gas giant, BG Group

EDDY TUG COMMENCES OPERATIONS IN THE PORT OF ROTTERDAM AND IJMUIDEN

EDDY 1, brainchild of EDDY TUG BV, has commenced operations in the Port of Rotterdam. SMIT Harbor Towage has adopted EDDY 1 for assist trials in her fleet, where, over the course of several

2/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 weeks, she will act as one of the tugs in operation. Also EDDY 1 will join the fleet of Iskes Towage and Salvage in the Port of IJmuiden in the same period, also for testing purposes. These weeks, EDDY’s capabilities in confined areas will be tested as well as her general handling. In a few weeks, she will undergo 1:1 testing for the escort performances. All in all, exciting weeks for EDDY TUG! (Source: Holland Shipyards; Photo: Hans de Klerk)

View the youtube film of the Alphabridge for tugboats on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQi6hFDcHW4&feature=plcp

CALL FOR A MEETING OLD NRS STAFF

On Sunday October 12 there will on board the Dutch Oceangoing tug Elbe moored in the outer harbour of Maassluis a meeting for all old Nieuwe Rotterdamse Sleepdienst staff. From 14.00 till 17.00 they can meet each other with enjoying a snack, beer, sweet and some talks. Pls mail each other and/or tell it on facebook. See you on board. (Photo: Archive Towingline - J. v.d.Ster)

3/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

URAG PLACES ODER FRO TO ASD TUGS 2411

URAG, the leading German port and offshore towage provider based in Bremerhaven, has placed an order for two Damen ASD 2411 tugs. The contract was signed at the SMM exhibition in Hamburg. This contract follows an order placed in September 2013 for an identical vessel which is under management by Lütgens & Reimers (L&R) in Hamburg. L&R is an affiliated company of URAG, both being part of the LINNHOFF Schiffahrt Group. The initial vessel, named Prompt, was ready for delivery within three months of the contract being signed and it was the positive experience with her that lead to the order from URAG. Highly manoeuvrable in restricted waters According to Damen, the ASD 2411 is a modern, state-of-the-art tug with excellent manoeuvrability and outstanding towing capabilities. At 24.5 metres its size makes it ideal for restricted waterways as well as open water assignments. It has a bollard pull of 70+ tonnes and is built for durability, with a proven design and the highest standards of quality. Extra thick plate is used in the construction, along with extra brackets and fendering. It is designed to be highly economic in terms of both low fuel consumption and operating costs due to its reliability and rugged build. Damen has delivered ASD Tugs 2411 all over the world. Both newbuilds, like the Prompt, will be built and outfitted according to the customer’s requirements at Damen’s partner yard in Vietnam, before being delivered to Germany in early 2015. URAG has been in business for over 120 years and currently operates a fleet of 17 harbour and offshore tugs. Damen is delighted to be working with these two, highly experienced towage and salvage companies and is confident that these latest additions to their fleets will give long and productive service. (Press Release Damen)

VLIETER IN SINT ANNALAND

Last week one of the readers spotted in the Southern province Zeeland in Sint Annaland; The Netherlands the former Harbour Inspection Amsterdam vessel Isa. She was built in 1937 by

4/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Scheepswerf & Machinefabriek 't Hondsbosch H.J. Bosman NV – Alkmaar; Netherlands under number 700. In 1953 she was transferred to the Shipping Inspectorate Rotterdam – Rotterdam and renamed SIR and re-engined. In 1968 transferred to Rijkswaterstaat – Gorinchem and renamed Vlieter. In 1977 sold to Damen Marine Services BV – Hardinxveld-Giessendam. In 1991 sold to D. van Oosten – Amsterdam. In 1998 sold to Mekraton Holding Amsterdam BV – Huizen; Netherlands and finally in 2003 to A.A. Meeuwissen – Huizen. She has a length of 14.50 mtrs a beam of 3.42 mtrs and a draft of 1.50 mtrs. The replaced Kromhout type 4-GS diesel engine has an output of 35 kW (48 bhp). (Photo of the Vlieter by Henk ten Hove)

ZHAN JIANGTUO 17 SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED

On the afternoon of 12th September 2014, the 4000HP ASD tugboat named Zhan Jiangtuo 17 was successfully delivered to Zhan Jiang Port (Group) Co., Ltd from its building place Zhenjiang Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd, starting its sail smoothly. (Source: Zhenjiang Shipyard)

5/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

RIMORCHIATORI RIUNITI BOLSTERS PORTO DI GENOVA FLEET WITH ANOTHER ROBERT ALLAN LTD. DESIGNED TUG

Rimorchiatori Riuniti currently operates five Robert Allan Ltd. designed tugs in their Porto di Genova fleet, including two AVT 2700 harbour escort tugs (Svezia and Inghilterra), one AVT 3600 offshore towing and escort tug (Messico), and two RAmparts 2400W ASD harbour tugs (Norvegia and Spagna). They have recently bolstered their Genova fleet with a new RAmparts 2400SX, 70 tonnes bollard pull tug, built by Sanmar Shipyard in Turkey. This tug has been aptly named Turchia, honouring the country of her builder. The Turchia arrived in her home port of Genova on July 31st. Rimorchiatori Riunti’s fleet has been busy lately with the Messico just recently towing the Costa Concordia wreck on her final leg into Genova harbour assisted by Rimorchiatori Riuniti’s other Porto di Genova tugs including the Robert Allan Ltd. designed Svezia, Inghilterra, Norvegia, and Spagna. The Sanmar built Turchia, a RAmparts 2400SX Class tug, is a “step sister” to Riuniti’s existing Spanish-built RAmparts 2400W Class tugs. It will further strengthen the company’s busy Porto di Genova operation. The vessel is one of Sanmar’s “Boğaçay” class of tugs and is already the 5th in the series to be built by Sanmar since first introduced in late 2013. The Turchia’s hull features standard RAmparts class characteristics including good deadrise for improved thruster performance, modest side flare, a half-raised forecastle deck for good sea keeping, gently rounded deck line in plan to ensure that the tug can safely and easily come alongside and remove itself from an attended ship at speed, and most importantly the characteristic conically shaped double chine stern unique to all Robert Allan Ltd. designs which ensures that the tug can run astern at high speeds and maintain good control and directional stability. The hull is under the 24 m rule length for load line and tonnage conventions. The tug features Caterpillar 3516C main engines driving Rolls Royce US 255 fixed pitched Z-drives to deliver 70 tonnes bollard pull. Particulars are as follows: Length o.a.: 24.40 mtrs; Beam, moulded: 11.25 mtrs; Depth, least moulded: 4.38 mtrs; Maximum draft (overall): 5.10 mtrs. The tug was constructed by Sanmar to ABS Class requirements but will enter into service under RINA flag with the following notation: RINA C TUG, AUT-UMS Tank Capacities at 98% are: Fuel oil: 87.3 m³; Potable Water: 10.6 m³; Main engine lube oil: 2.0 m³; Used oil: 1.9 m³; Sludge: 1.1 m³; Oily Water: 1.6 m³;

6/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Grey Water: 3.0 m³; Sewage holding tank: 3.0 m³; Water Ballast: 41.8 m³. The vessel has been outfitted to high standards for a crew of 6 people. The main deckhouse contains the galley, mess, two officer cabins, and a common WC. The lower deck contains 2 double berth cabins, a laundry, galley stores, and a common WC space. The wheelhouse is designed with frameless bonded windows for minimum mullion obstruction and a single split control station which provides all round maximum visibility and exceptional visibility to the bow and side fendering. The engine room features a small sound resistant switchboard room. Ship-handling fenders at the bow comprise an upper row of 800 mm diameter cylindrical fender and a lower course of W-fender. Sheer fendering consists of 300 mm D- rubber. “W” block type fendering is fitted at the stern. Typical of Robert Allan Ltd. tug designs, significant noise and vibration reduction measures have been implemented throughout, including resiliently mounted main engines, resiliently mounted gensets and auxiliary engine, high attenuation engine exhaust silencer systems, ventilation intake air silencers, sound dampening deck treatments, and insulation measures. Measured noise levels were very impressive for a vessel with such a high power to weight ratio. The vessel is outfitted with the following equipment: 2 x Caterpillar 3516C main diesels, each delivering 2000 bkW @ 1600 RPM 2 x Rolls- Royce model US 255 fixed pitch Z-drives 2 x CAT C 4.4 diesel gensets, each with a power output of 86 ekW @ 1500 RPM, 50 Hz DMT Type TW-E 250KN electric double drum hawser winch with a pull of 250 KN at 0-9 m/min on low speed and 80 KN at 0-28 m/min on high speed A FIFI ½ pump set driven off the front of the port main engine. The pump set delivers 1200 m³/hr sea water to one 1200 m³/hr water/foam remote operated monitor. Data Hidrolik tow hook Data Hidrolik aft capstan On trials, the Turchia achieved over 13.2 knots free running speed. (Press Release Robert Allan)

PEGASUS TOWING HULL 800 TBR SKANDI AFRICA

The 2009 built Antigua and Barbuda registered with call sign V2ED2 and port of Registry St. John’s tug Pegasus (Imo 9433743) was seen towing the Hull 800 to be renamed Skandi Africa offshore Sicily on Tuesday 16th September, 2014 bound to Sovik, Norway from Tulcea, Romania. The tug is owned by Pegasus Harms Offshore – Hamburg; Germany and managed by Harms Bergung Transport – Hamburg; Germany. She has a

7/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 length o.a. of 48.81 mtrs a beam of 13.80 mtrs a depth of 7.00 mtrs a grt of 1,262 tons and a nrt of 378 tons. Built by MW Abwicklungsgesellschaft GmbH – Cuxhaven; Germany under number 258. The two MaK diesel engine develops a total output of 5,940 kW and a speed of 14 knots. She is classed Germanischer Lloyd 100 A5 E2 Tug DG MC E2 AUT FF1. (Photo: Capt. Lawrence Dalli - www.maltashipphotos.com)

YESTERYEAR TUGBOAT JUDY MORAN

The Judy Moran, one of the new class of Moran tugs designed for harbour and coastal work, passes New York City’s World Trade Center. She was built in 1972 in Morgan City, Louisiana. Though she was equipped with all the gear necessary to do her job well, she does not have the nice flowing upperworks of the class of tugs she replaced. With a 31 foot beam, the Judy Moran is wide for her 107 foot length – plenty of space for her 3,300 horsepower. The tug was designed to exceed all Coast Guard safety and stability requirements. Her many tank vent pipes along the deckhouse reduce the risk of backflooding, for example. She has twin screws for maneuverability and a long, thin stack to give the pilot visibility aft. She can tow astern and push when necessary. She has a special arrangement for pushing in a barge’s notch – the lines from the barge are brought in through the after quarter cutouts in the bulwarks, pass around sheaves, and are taken up on the towing winch. Moran Towing & Transportation, the owner of the Judy Moran, is one of the largest tugboat services in the United States, perhaps even in the world. The firm was founded by Michael Moran, an Irish immigrant who started out as a mule driver on the Erie Canal in 1850. In 1855, Moran bought his first canal boat; in November 1860, he founded Moran Towing Company with a half interest in the steam tugboat Ida Miller, based in New York. By the 1880’s, Moran owned 10 tugs. Besides shipshandling and general towing, the company had the New York City garbage-hauling contract. Moran Towing grew rapidly. By 1910, gross revenues were almost $800,000; by the beginningof World War II, gross revenues were $8,000,00 from a fleet of 50 tugs. The company was very active in both world wars, werving the government as both an operator of and an advisor on towing and salvage to the government. The Moran fleet was its largest in World War II, when there were 112 tugs, 53 of them owned by the government but serving under the company’s charter. After the war, the Moran fleet was converted to diesel, the first company in the world to have a totally diesel-powered fleet. Moran Towing and Transportation today covers the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States. (Source: On the Hawser by Steven Lang and Peter H. Spectre)

8/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

ACCIDENTS – SALVAGE NEWS

COAST GUARD, BLACK BAYOU FIRE CREW RESPONDS TO FIRE ON TUGBOAT NEAR LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA

The Coast Guard along with the Black Bayou Fire Department responded to a tugboat fire near Lake Charles, Louisiana, Tuesday. The six people aboard the tug vessel Garyville were able to escape and no injuries were reported. At approximately 1:15 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston Command Center received a report from the captain of the tug vessel Garyville, stating that there was a fire in the engine room. Watchstanders launched a boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Lake Charles to respond. The Black Bayou Fire Department arrived shortly after and the boatcrew transported the fire crew from shore to the tugboat. The fire crew utilized a portable pump to extinguish the fire. The tug vessel Grayville was pushing two barges loaded with gasoline at the time of the fire, but was able to release the barges to the nearby tug vessel Woody Richardson. There have been no reports of pollution. The cause of the fire is unknown. “The quick notification we received from the captain of the tug vessel was essential in this case and allowed for us to get a crew out to the scene right away,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jeff Linberg, an operations specialist at Sector Houston-Galveston. “It’s very important to have a way to contact the Coast Guard in any distress situation and making sure you have proper communication while out on the water is key.” (Source: USCG)

TUG SAVED CREW OF FISHERBOAT

The crew of the "Maverick" saved two fishermen on Sep 9, 2014, whose boat capsized in the Columbia River East of Stevenson. While piloting the Tidewater tug, Todd Takalo spotted a flashing

9/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 white light in the water about 1:15 a.m. He approached the light and found an overturned boat with two men on top of it. In 35 mph winds and four foot swells, Takalo navigated the tug to the boat and the crew pulled the two men aboard. The tribal fishermen had been stranded on top of their vessel for more than 45 minutes. Their boat could not be towed or salvaged. The "Maverick"’s crew made contact with another tribal fishing vessel in the area, which took the men to shore. (Source: Vesseltracker)

NTSB REPORTS ON CAPSIZING OF TOWING VESSEL MEGAN MCB

The National Transportation Safety Board has issued a Marine Accident Brief (MAB 14-17) on the July 3, 2013 capsizing of the towing vessel Megan McB in which one crew member died. At 0558 local time on the day of the incident, the Megan McB lost engine throttle control while the crew was trying to maneuver the vessel into the main lock of Lock and Dam 7 on the Mississippi River near La Crescent, Minnesota. Without engine throttle control to maneuver the vessel, the strong river current swept the Megan McB into gate no. 1 of the dam, where the vessel became pinned and capsized. One crew member died in the accident. The vessel was later refloated; its damage was estimated at $500,000. Owned by Brennan Marine Inc. of La Crosse, Wisconsin, the Megan McB was a new vessel placed in service in the spring of 2013 and the only vessel in the Brennan Marine fleet equipped with electronic engine control throttles (as opposed to air throttles). One of the aspects of the electronic throttles was that each time the vessel's diesel engines were started, the "station select" button needed to be pressed on the electronic control head. The control head controlled both the marine transmissions (forward and astern controls) and the main diesel engines' speed. If the station select button on the control head was not pressed after engine startup, the electronic throttles would not control the engines. The pilot who would operate the Megan McB at the time of the capsizing joined the vessel crew in the middle of a shift, at 0100 on the morning of the accident. He had been

10/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 called in unexpectedly because the pilot originally scheduled to operate the vessel that day had received a phone call that his wife had been in a car accident. The accident pilot told investigators that he had never previously served as the Megan McB's pilot. He had only piloted Brennan Marine vessels equipped with air throttles. When the pilot prepared to maneuver the Megan McB into the main lock of Lock and Dam 7, he radioed for the crew to let go the mooring line. The deckhand proceeded to the bow and removed the line from the mooring pin on the pier. The pilot then attempted to engage the engines by moving both throttles forward on the electronic control head; however, because he had not pressed the station select button, the engines did not respond. The pilot told investigators that he did not know that he had to press this button to control the engines; he had received no instruction in using the electronic control head. Without engine throttle control to maneuver the vessel, the strong river current swept the Megan McB into gate no. 1 of the dam, where the vessel became pinned and capsized. The vessel was later refloated; its damage was estimated at $500,000. The pilot and first mate were able to escape through the wheelhouse windows, which the strong current had broken, but the deckhand was missing. About 1300 that afternoon, divers located his body on the second deck of the Megan McB's superstructure. The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the capsizing of towing vessel Megan McB was the replacement pilot's unfamiliarity with the vessel's electronic engine control throttles, which resulted in his inability to avoid gate no. 1 of Lock and Dam 7. Contributing to the capsizing was Brennan Marine's lack of effective procedures to ensure that the Megan McB was operated by a replacement pilot familiar with the electronic engine control throttles, which were unique to this one vessel in the company fleet. Read the Marine Accident Brief here (Source: MarineLpg)

GSP PEGASUS SAVED 31 MIGRANTS OFF KARPATHOS

The "GSP Pegasus" took part in the rescue operation of 31 refugees on Sep 14, 2014. The "GSP Pegasus" answered the distress call sent by the refugees, locating and approaching the wayward boat at approx. 11 p.m. The 31 persons, mainly women and children of uncertain nationality were found onboard a small boat drifting

11/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 away, apparently because of an engine failure, in the eastern Mediterranean approximately 60 nautical miles the E-SE off Karpathos Island. The "GSP Pegasus" assisted the refugees and maintained the communication channels open with the Greek authorities and NATO, providing assistance to the refugees in distress until two larger vessels approached: the tanker Phoenix Admiral and the container ship Nicolas. Following the Greek authorities instructions, the 31 refugees were taken onboard the container m/v "Nicolas" and transported to Rhodes. The "GSP Pegasus" rescue mission was successfully completed on sep 15 at 03.30 a.m. The vessel headed to Constanta with an ETA of Sep 17. (Source: Vesseltracker; Photo: www.upstreamonline.com)

OFFSHORE NEWS

10 YEARS VROON OFFSHORE SERVICES

Vroon Offshore Services BV is pleased to announce that on 13 September 2014 the shipping company has commemorated her 10- year anniversary. VOS BV started as a result of a merger between Seaworx and Telco Marine. In those days, both companies were active in the oil and gas industry. Providing offshore support services with guard, safety standby, platform supply and chase vessels. The fleet consisted of mainly 'dated' vessels, such as converted fishing vessels. Totally, the combined fleet consisted of approximately 23 vessels. In 2004 Vroon BV, the mother company of Telco Marine, expanded their activities in the offshore shipping industry. In June 2004 the merger with Seaworx took place. Old competitors had to work together, acquiring different manners, standards and systems. It was obvious that this was a real challenge. Especially in the beginning this caused serious disagreements in how to work and operate the vessels. On the 13 September 2004, the standards on board the vessels in the fleet, the insurance and assurance systems were in line and Vroon proudly awarded his name to the company. Vroon Offshore Services BV was established. Since then there were numerous changes. Not only on the vessels but also in the office. These changes resulted in improvements and this is still going on. VOS BV said goodbye to older tonnage (old chase vessels) as the Telco Solent or old Seaworx tonnage such as the Polaris and the Eastwind. But at the same time room was made for newer tonnage. In 2005 also the existing platform supply vessel fleet of mother company Vroon BV from Breskens changed management to the Den Helder office. This included vessels as Energy Express, Field Express and Shelf Express. Shelf Express served NAM/Shell for 25 years. The focus of VOS BV changed from chase work to operations with purchased and new-built diving support vessels as the VOS Sweet and the VOS Shine. And to platform supply duties for which Vroon Offshore Services further expanded her fleet with the Pool Express and Base Express (now VOS Base) and the P-type suppliers VOS Power, VOS Prelude, VOS Producer, VOS Precious and VOS Prominence. A total of six platform supply vessels of the PX121 type and at least two subsea support vessels are now on order and will be delivered within the next eighteen months. These vessels are highly fuel efficient and the designers have focussed on crew comfort, safety, environment and efficiency. They are the next generation subsea support and

12/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 platform supply vessels in a ongoing changing environment. VOS BV will continue to expand her services in the oil and gas industry and the renewable energy business offshore. In the latter sector the company will assist in building and maintaining windfarms at sea. The journey of Vroon Offshore Services started with a fleet of mainly safety standby and chase vessels and has now, in addition to safety standby vessels, envolved into a fleet of modern platform supply and subsea support vessels. The company intends a continuous renewal of her fleet, meeting and exceeding the client's exceptations. The shipping company is based on Het Nieuwe Werk in Den Helder, the Netherlands, and employs more than 330 seafarers and 34 office staff. The fleet consists of 15 modern vessels. From May this year VOS BV is managed by Niek Spiljard. (Press Release)

VESSEL SALE OF SBS CIRRUS

Viking Supply Ships has, through its wholly owned subsidiary Viking Supply Ships Limited, sold the 1985 built platform supply vessel SBS Cirrus. The transaction is motivated by Viking Supply Ships’ strategy to focus on modern tonnage. The vessel has been delivered to its new owners yesterday, 16 September 2014. The sale of the vessel will have a positive impact of NOK 0.8 million on the third quarter results. After the sale of SBS Cirrus, Viking Supply Ships’ fleet now consists of eight anchor handling tug supply vessels and five platform supply vessels. (Press Release; Photo: Shipspotting)

CREW WELFARE SOLUTION HELPS MORALE AND CREW RETENTION FOR SUBSEA 7

For satellite communications specialists Livewire Connections, working with their customers is more than just supplying equipment or an off the shelf solution. In the last few years Livewire Connections have seen an increase in crew welfare support packages as commercial vessels look to retain crew and ensure their welfare whilst at sea. These services can have a profound effect on the working life of those using them. A long standing customer recently reported to the team how the solution supplied has made a difference to its employees and contractors whilst at sea. As a main Cobham Sea Tel dealer, Livewire Connections have installed a Sea-Tel Ku- band VSAT antenna with

13/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

airtime on board the vessel Subsea 7 DSV Seven Discovery, a 120m versatile dive support vessel. The complete turnkey solution provides reliable internet access for the crew and contractors whilst they are working on board. The divers working on DSV Seven Discovery are saturation divers; subsequently they spend a prolonged period of time in a pressurised capsule, with very little interaction with the ‘outside world.’ The crew welfare VSAT enables the divers to keep in touch with friends, families and colleagues. Working out of mobile phone range, the Wi-Fi internet access can be the only interaction they have with people other than the divers who are also enclosed within the restricted capsules. When asked how the packages supplied by Livewire Connections to DSV Seven Discovery help with crew morale, Mike Derrick (Chief Engineer) goes on to explain. There are three key benefits the divers receive from the services Livewire Connections provides, whilst they are working in isolation over a prolonged period of time. The divers have the benefit of the internet and access to social media sites, something not usually possible with the saturation diving complex. They have continued communication, should the primary satellite dish be masked due to the heading of the vessel and finally they can access sites such as You Tube, which are usually blocked by company servers due to bandwidth restrictions. The operators of offshore survey vessels, wind farm support vessels, dive support vessels and all types of merchant ships, captains and crew have an ever growing reliance on internet access, and Livewire Connections utilises this knowledge and understanding of communications and IT to meet these customer requirements. Livewire Connections have developed significant experience in the provision of crew welfare communications, offering crew welfare solutions to help morale and retention whilst at sea for prolonged periods especially in times of isolation. David Walker, Sales Director for Livewire Connections said, “Livewire Connections has seen an increasing demand as operators, managers and captains are looking at ways to retain their crew for longer periods. Crew welfare packages such as this are becoming more paramount and there is a direct correlation with this, crew retention and morale.” Livewire Connections have deployed systems on a significant number of vessels and they can only see the demand for simple to use, reliable systems increasing. (Press Release Livewire; Photo: Shipspotting)

DEEP SEA SUPPLY WINS CHARTERS FOR TWO PSVS

Deep Sea Supply, a Cyprus-headquartered owner of offshore support vessels, has announced that the company has agreed on bareboat contracts for the charters of two PSVs, Sea Surfer and Sea Swan. The two vessels will be used for operations in Australian waters. The end charterer will be an internationally recognized major oil company and both bareboat contracts are for 270 days firm plus 6 x 1 month option. The total value of the firm part of the contracts is about USD 11M. Expected

14/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

beginning of the bareboat charters are early October 2014. The vessel ‘Sea Surfer’ is 88.9 metres long and 19 metres in the beam and equipped with a diesel- electric propulsion system. The cargo deck area is approximately 1,000 m2 with a dead weight of 4,500 tonnes. The vessel ‘Sea Swan’ is a Ulstein PX 105 design built at Sinopacific in China. Main characteristics of the vessel are: 4.700 dwt, 1000m2 deck area, clean design, diesel electric propulsion and the X-bow design which significantly reduces fuel consumption.

WESTSEA VICTORIA PSV DELIVERED TO PACIFIC RADIANCE

Focal Marine & Offshore, a Singapore-based designer of offshore support vessels, has informed that Westsea Victoria platform supply vessel has been delivered to Pacific Radiance. Westsea Victoria, a FOCAL 528 design diesel electric PSV with 5,000t deadweight, will work in Australia. When asked if the vessel is already hired by an oil company, Focal Marine & Offshore spokesperson said the vessel is in the Australian spot market “waiting for some tender result.” The FOCAL 528 PSV is with LOA of 86m, 1,000 m2 deck cargo area, complement of 90 men and carriage of multi cargoes including fuel oil, base oil, fresh water, mud / brine, dry bulks and methanol / chemical, as well as FIFI-1 capability. In addition, the vessel has

15/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 subsea features and is prepared for installation of helideck, subsea AHC crane and moonpool. The vessel was built at the Huangpu Shipyard in China. Also, three more platform supply vessels of the same design are under construction. The second vessel, also being built for Pacific Radiance in Huangpu Shipyard is scheduled for delivery in late 2014. The third and fourth vessel are for another client with deliveries slated for the second half of 2015. (Source: Offshore Energy Today)

HYUNDAI DELIVERS FOURTH PSV TO BP

South Korea’s Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD), focused on the medium-sized vessels, announced recently that it delivered the 4th high value platform supply vessel (PSV) for BP Shipping at its main shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea. HMD won four PSVs from BP Shipping in March 2012 and already delivered three same type vessels from January to July this year. The PSV, named NS Frayja and measuring 97 m in length, 20 m in width and 8.5 m in depth, is equipped with a variety of up-to- date technologies including oil recovery operation and dynamic positioning system. The vessel is now on its way to join its fleet in North Sea fields. (Press Release)

ISURVEY TO PROVIDE POSITIONING SERVICES FOR ISLAND OFFSHORE VESSELS iSURVEY, a provider of survey and positioning services to the global oil and gas, offshore renewables and telecommunications markets has been awarded a two year contract with offshore vessel owner, Island Offshore Management. The two year contract will see iSURVEY AS provide positioning services to Island Offshore as part of a call off arrangement. Operations have already started on the first vessel, Island’s DP2 Light construction vessel, the Island Valiant. Following the current well head cutting work in the Danish sector, iSURVEY will be supporting Island Offshore for further subsea work in the North Sea. Øivind Røegh, managing director at iSURVEY AS, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected as a key service partner by Island Offshore. This contract award underlines iSURVEY’s capabilities and

16/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 highlights our expertise in the subsea sector. We look forward to continuing the relationships with Island Offshore and growing our presence in subsea projects internationally.” (Press Release)

FINLAND, RUSSIA INK DEAL ON ICEBREAKING COOPERATION

Finland and Russia signed an agreement on 15 September providing a framework for cooperation in icebreaking services, Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications said. The agreement was signed by Harri Pursiainen, Permanent Secretary of the Finnish Ministry of Transport and Communications, and Sergei Aristov, Russian Deputy Minister of Transport. As explained by the Finnish Ministry, the agreement on icebreaking services enables Finnish icebreakers to operate in the eastern parts of the Gulf of Finland in the territorial waters of Russia in return for compensation. Reciprocally, Russian icebreakers can assist vessels operating to Finnish ports in the Gulf of Finland. Nevertheless, operations in territorial waters will always be subject to a permit from the authorities. “Flexible use of the icebreaking capacity will make winter navigation in the eastern Gulf of Finland more efficient during severe ice winters and improve its safety. The agreement will open up new markets for Finnish enterprises in icebreaking services,” the Ministry said in a statement. (Press Release)

CHINESE FIRST BLUE DRIVE PLUS C PSV DELIVERED

On 15th September 2014, China’s first Blue Drive Plus C ocean oil platform supply vessel VARD PSV08 named Campos Tide, which is from its six sister vessel lot, built for Tidewater Co., Ltd. USA, was successfully delivered in the builder’s place, Zhenjiang Shipyard. Boasting 83.8 meters in length, 18 meters in breadth (MLD), 8.4 meters in depth (MLD), 4100t in dead weight and 870㎡ of its deck area, the vessel not only applies the world-class streamline and clean design of the same kind, but

17/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014 also meets ABS class notations of A1 OFFSHORE SUPPORT VESSEL, AMS, ACCU, DPS-2, ENVIRO, UWILD, HAB, FIRE FIGHTING VESSEL CLASS 1, etc. Technically, the vessel is first equipped with an advanced Blue Drive Plus C power-supply system which is developed by Siemens Marine Solutions Global Center of Competence in Trondheim, Norway. The system uses less fuel, resulting in substantial cost and energy savings. The environmentally-friendly Blue Drive Plus C also offers a significant reduction in harmful greenhouse gases. The total emissions of NOx and greenhouse gases for the new drive is lower than for other comparable vessels with diesel or gas operations. As for the hull, the vessel applies the high-strength steel to reduce its weight in order to maximize its load capacity and the ratio of cargo deck area to light weight. It is the first time for a PSV in China to apply the innovative Blue Drive Plus C, which is unrivaled in the marine market today. It also represents the developing momentum of global PSV. With the successful delivery of this vessel, Zhenjiang Shipyard has made a great breakthrough in the product upgrade of marine offshore vessels, which provide a strong base for the enterprise to grab a potential considerable share in the environment-friendly and energy-saving marine vessel market. (Source: Zhenjiang Shipyard)

LAUNCHING OF THE FOURTH WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED BLUE DRIVE PLUS C OCEAN SUPPLY VESSEL

On 17th September 2014, the fourth Blue Drive Plus C ocean oil platform supply vessel of the six sister vessels, built for Tidewater Co., Ltd. USA, was successfully launched in the builder’s place, Zhenjiang Shipyard. Boasting 83.8 meters in length, 18 meters in breadth (MLD), 8.4 meters in depth (MLD), 4100t in dead weight and 870㎡ of its deck area, the vessel not only applies the world-class streamline and clean design of its same kind, but also meets ABS class notations of A1 OFFSHORE SUPPORT VESSEL, AMS, ACCU, DPS-2, ENVIRO, UWILD, HAB, FIRE FIGHTING VESSEL CLASS 1, etc.

18/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

(Source: Zhenjiang Shipyard)

SOLSTAD SELLS 29 YEARS OLD AHTS

Solstad Offshore, a Norway based offshore ships supplier, has entered into an agreement for the sale of “Normand Draupne” AHTS built in 1985 to an international buyer. The vessel is expected to be handed over to new owners during December 2014. The sale of the vessel will have a positive cash effect for SOFF of approximately NOK 50 million and with a booked gain of approximately NOK 27 million. Solstad operates 47 vessels all over the world. In addition, the company has 1 large subsea vessel under construction. The Normand Draupne is not the only 29-year-old being sold today. Sweden’s Viking Supply Ships has announced it sold the 1985-built platform supply vessel SBS Cirrus, to focus on more modern vessels. (Source: Offshore Energy Today)

MERMAID BAGS MIDDLE EAST SUBSEA CONTRACTS

Mermaid Maritime has been awarded two saturation diving services contracts. Both Contracts are estimated to be of approximately 6‐8 months duration in total in the Middle East. the first of these two contracts has already begun and the second will start back‐to‐back upon completion of the first. The contracts will be serviced using a chartered‐in DP3 Multipurpose Support Vessel ‘Bourbon Evolution’. Mermaid has secured this vessel for a period of 8 months with a further option for an additional 8 month extension to service additional work prospects. Together with this modern vessel, Mermaid will deploy specialized diving equipment, remotely operated vehicles (“ROVs”), specialized divers and other project crew to provide a full integrated service under these Contracts. The total estimated value of these contracts is USD 40‐45 million. Mermaid has said it continues to implement its growth strategy by expanding its revenue base through the charter‐in of additional vessels against confirmed client contracts as demand for its subsea services continues to experience growth in its targeted markets. Delivering on this initiative, in December 2013 Mermaid took

19/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

delivery of the DP2 RSV ‘Mermaid Resolution’ on a 2+1 year charter to service new contracts in Indonesia. This was followed in June 2014 by a short term charter of the DP2 PSV ‘Lewek Atria’ for several months serving the Gulf of Thailand. In August 2014, Mermaid took delivery of DP2 Construction (CLB) Barge ‘Mubarak Supporter’ on a 1+1+1 year charter to service new contracts in the Middle East. (Source: Offshore Energy Today)

LAUNCHING VOS FAMOUS

On Wednesday 10 September, Vroon’s newbuilding ERRV, VOS Famous, was launched in China. This 50‑m ERRV (emergency response and rescue vessel) is currently under construction at Nanjing East Star Shipyard. VOS Famous is the fourth in a ten- vessel newbuilding programme, with six 50- m ERRVs being built at Nanjing and four 60-m vessels under construction at Fujian Southeast Shipyard, also in China. All these vessels have a revolutionary, wave-piercing bow shape that has been specially designed for Vroon. The first vessel, VOS Fabulous, is already operating out of Aberdeen for Vroon Offshore Services. VOS Famous is scheduled for delivery to the company at the end of the year and will be operational in the North Sea next spring. (Source: Vroon)

NEWBUILD PSV ‘SEA TRIUMPH’ DELIVERED TO DEEP SEA SUPPLY

Deep Sea Supply, a Cyprus-headquartered owner of offshore support vessels, has announced that on Thursday 18 September the company took delivery of the newbuilding Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) ‘Sea Triumph’. The vessel ‘Sea Triumph’ is a STX 05-L design built at Cochin shipyard in India. Main characteristics of the vessel are: 4.100 dwt, 810 m2 deck area, clean design and diesel

20/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

electric propulsion. Following the delivery of ‘Sea Triumph’, Deep Sea Supply has 15 AHTS vessels and 24 PSVs in operation, in total 39 vessels. Deep Sea Supply is an international operator of offshore supply vessels. (Press Release)

WINDFARM NEWS

WINDENERGY HAMBURG: HOME MATCH FOR GERMAN RENEWABLES SHIPBROKERS

Hamburg-based specialist shipbroker German Renewables Shipbrokers boasts new exhibition booth. German Renewables Shipbrokers welcomes all visitors to booth B4.EG.118 at the leading international WindEnergy trade fair. The GRS shipbroker team will be ready to answer all questions and discuss any topics concerning offshore tonnage and equipment at our 42 m2 exhibition booth from 23 to 26 September 2014. “WindEnergy Hamburg is a home match for us,” explains Philippe

21/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

Schönefeld, Managing Partner of GRS. “Hamburg is increasingly becoming a hotspot for the offshore wind industry. Here we are seizing the opportunity to demonstrate that we provide far more than a traditional shipbroker service and have brought a fresh impetus to the industry with our services and solutions.” Our booth design also conveys this message: open on all sides, with clear lines and decorated in a refreshing green, it is the ideal venue for the Hamburg-based company to present its service portfolio. GRS will be advising interested parties on the various ways that offshore vessels and equipment can be used. Visitors to the booth can check vessel availabilities online in real time using the Quick Vessel Check and assess vessel models in detail. GRS specializes in offshore tonnage in renewable energy. (Press Release GRS)

BALTIC 2 OFFSHORE SUBSTATION AWAITING INSTALLATION IN KIEL

A 4,400-ton substation for the EnBW Baltic 2 offshore wind farm has been prepared for transport at the shipyard of Abu Dhabi Mar Kiel. Since a very good weather for transportation and installation offshore is expected in the next few days, the platform should be moved directly to the construction field. Should the weather worsen, Rostock and Sassnitz are available as alternate ports. From there, the platform would be on its way to the construction site during the next suitable weather conditions. (Source: OffshoreWind)

YARD NEWS

DAMEN SHIPYARDS SHOPPING AROUND ST. JOHN'S

Officials from one of the world's largest privately owned shipyard consortium will be in St. John's this week. Here's VOCM's Terry Hart. The Damen Shipyards from the Netherlands owns 40 shipyards and approximately 30 strategic partnerships worldwide, with over 8,000 employees. The company was recently selected to design, build and deliver three petroleum service vessels, and a deep sea construction vessel for Atlantic Towing, who will operate the vessels from St. John's. Damen Shipyard officials will be holding meetings for vendors on Wednesday and Thursday of this week at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John's, as a result of getting the work for these four new offshore support vessels, plus other future projects it is looking at. (Source : VOCM)

22/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

INGRAM TO BUILD 20 TANK BARGES

Ingram Barge Company, Nashville, TN, says it will be building 20 tank barges in 2015 to meet growing demand for chemical shipments. While most of the company's recent tank barges have come through acquisitions, this continued expansion in its barge fleet coincides with a 10-year plan that began in 2007 to build barges with Trinity Industries. With its building strategy, Ingram has been able to maintain its fleet size as barges reach retirement age. Ingram says that today's announcement demonstrates its commitment to continue building tank barges as part of its goal to meet its growing customer demand in the chemical liquids sector. Over the past several years, inexpensive natural gas has increased domestic chemical production and demand for new tank barges. Ingram Barge's CEO, Orrin Ingram, said the upcoming investment would provide more barges for the petrochemical industry throughout the inland river system. "The petrochemical industry remains strong and is one of our strategic areas for investment," he said. "We're building to replace retiring barges and to grow with our customers." Overall, Ingram has nearly 5,000 barges. Ingram has been involved in liquid barge transportation since the mid-1940s, and also transports dry cargo such as coal, grain, fertilizers, and steel. (Source: MarineLog)

23/24

15TH VOLUME, NO. 61 DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2014

WEBSITE NEWS

HTTP://WWW.TOWINGLINE.COM

ARE YOU ALSO INTEREST ED IN THIS FREE TUGS TOW ING & OFFSHO RE N EWSLETTER. PLEASE VISIT THE WEBS ITE WWW . TOWINGLINE . COM AND SUBSCRIBE YOURSE LF FOR FREE

Last week there have been new updates posted: 1. Several updates on the News page posted last week:

 URAG places order for two ASD tugs 2411  Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. Delivers the Kimberly Hidalgo to Florida Marine Transporters, Inc.  Damen to supply 5 metre Optima nozzles for ALP/Teekay ocean tugs  Fleet expansion Seacontractors  Polar Star Third 42M Crew Boat delivered to Cotemar

Be informed that the mobile telephone number of Towingline is: +31 6 3861 3662 mailto: [email protected] This site is intended to be collective exchange of information. Information on this site has been pulled from many sources; we have attempted to credit these sources. But due to the multitude of sources sometimes we are unable to note all the sources. If you feel that material that is posted here is of your authorship and you have not been credited properly please alert us and I will correct the credit or remove it in accordance to the author's wishes.

DISCLAIMER

The compiler of the Tugs Towing & Offshore Newsletter disclaim all liability for any loss, damage or expense however caused, arising from the sending, receipt, or use of this e-mail communication and on any reliance placed upon the information provided through this free service and does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information. For more information about advertising, subscription, preferences and un-subscription visit the website: http://www.towingline.com The Tugs Towing & Offshore Newsletter is a ::JVDS-MARCOL:: Archive Production.

24/24