Harbour authority ABP this week welcomed SMS Towage’s new tug, Manxman, onto the river Humber.
The new tug, built by international shipyard group Damen, based at Gorinchem in Holland, is technically known as an Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) 2411 tug. With 5,600 brake horsepower, the tug offers more power than seven Ferraris.
The new addition, which will bring SMS Towage’s Humber fleet up to a sturdy 10 represents circa £5 million worth of investment.
With another seven tugs located across South East Wales Ports, Portsmouth and Belfast, SMS Towage’s offering to ports across the country are ever expanding.
Gareth Escreet
Managing Director of SMS Towage
“The increase in fleet size, especially with a tug of that power, will enable us to utilise our fleet more efficiently by opening up the opportunities to ‘de-tug’ on the various river berths. This will enhance the service levels for SMS Towage and ABP’s joint clients.”
Chris Green
ABP Port Manager for Hull and Goole
“The tug providers on the Humber are pivotal to keeping the trade routes open. The tugs help vessels with difficult manoeuvres and also assist in adverse weather. We’re pleased to see SMS Towage strengthening their fleet and look forward to welcoming Manxman through the locks.”
The introduction of Manxman will directly lead to the employment of an additional eight people. If you’re interested in joining the team or would like to learn more about SMS Towage, please visit their website: www.smstowage.com
To view arrival footage of Manxman being welcomed onto the estuary, click here:
