The global tug boom seems to be unstoppable. It has, seemingly, rolled on for years. Tugs, as one of the most important cogs in the whole maritime world, seem to be constantly developing and improving. There is much the wider maritime industry can learn from them.
While the number of active tug designers is now quite small, it is staggering just how much innovation they produce and inspire. The number of builders, of course, is much larger and the number of owners, larger still, but there remains a very beneficial and productive meeting of minds throughout the sector.
Owners are prepared to try new things, even if only on an incremental basis, and their builders work closely with their naval architects to deliver them. Globally, it is an impressively collaborative process.
As always, Baird Maritime presents the absolute latest news on tugs and tugging this week. With new vessels from the relentless and dominant Robert Allan Ltd and their frequent building partner, Turkey's highly productive Sanmar Group, to seasoned designer and builder Neptune Marine in the Netherlands, we offer an interesting cross-section of ideas.
All this is capped off with an interesting and well-told salvage yarn from our globally renowned marine surveyor columnist, Mike Wall, showing that tugs operate in some of the most remote and fascinating places on the planet.
Enjoy and learn!
– "What a feeling of satisfaction and relief was shared by all on board both ships when the tow was finally let go."
– by Mike Wall, marine educationalist, marine surveyor and consultant
– "The days when the master could be godlike, strong, silent or stand-offish are long gone."
– by Alan Loynd, former General Manager of the renowned Hong Kong Salvage and Towage company
– "There are no doubt less reputable operators who will be focusing on the cost-saving implications of the technology."
– by Alan Loynd, former General Manager of the renowned Hong Kong Salvage and Towage company
Remember to come back every day to see the latest news, opinion and vessel reviews!
Any news or views about the global tug and salvage sectors? Send it through to editor@baird.com.au ASAP (between now and October 1), so we can add it to this current edition of Tug and Salvage Week!
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