This new escort tug is designed to provide support and trailer services to the fleet of the Norwegian company Statoil.

It has taken place at Gondan Shipyards in Figueras, coinciding with the plamar, the launch of the first dual propulsion tug - liquefied natural gas or diesel - made in Europe. It is the first in the series of three escort tugs that Gondan Shipyards is building for the Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi, with which he has signed 13 construction contracts in the last decade.

Designed by the Canadian company Robert Allan, this new tug escort of 40,20 meters in length and 16 meters in manga, is designed to provide support and trailer services to the fleet of the Norwegian energy company Statoil on the island of Melkøya, beyond the Arctic polar circle. In order to support the inclemences of such an extreme climate, the ship has unique forms, with a specifically designed bearing that allows it to perform its functions at temperatures of up to 20 degrees below zero. In addition, thanks to its high technological component, it can combine the use of liquefied natural gas with the flexibility of diesel where necessary, ensuring full operational capacity in any circumstances, in a environmentally friendly manner.

For the next few months, the tugboat will remain docked at the yard dock, where the various assembly and equipment work will be carried out until the ship is fully completed. Once the construction task is completed, it will be subjected to meticulous and demanding sea tests, after which it will be ready for delivery to the shipowner, in 2017.

Source: Spanishport