Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Gondán S.A. has launched the the third dual-fuel tug ever built in Europe, from its shipyard in Figueras. It is the final of three tugs ordered by Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi. The event was attended by representatives from the ship-owner, from Statoil as charterer of the vessels and from the Canadian designer Robert Allan Ltd.
This new escort tug, with 40.2 meters length and 16 meters beam, will provide tug services to Norwegian state-owned energy company Statoil at the far-north terminal located at Melkøya (near Hammerfest). Built to withstand freezing cold, the vessel is shaped specifically to grant full operational availability at temperatures of 20 degrees below zero and combines environmental sustainability through the use of LNG in most of its operations, with the flexibility of diesel power to ensure a high level of operational security.
For the next few months, this new vessel will be moored at the Yard´s quay while being outfitted. On completion she will undergo sea trials and delivery in 2017.
(Source: Astilleros Gondán S.A.)
