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SAAM Towage completes double PSV transatlantic tow
A SAAM Towage deepsea tugboat has completed the challenging tandem tow of two platform supply vessels from the US to Turkey
Two platform supply vessels (PSVs) have been towed from the US Gulf coast to Istanbul, Turkey, by SAAM Towage’s 475-gt tugboat, Sea Trout.
This 2010-built, 36-m tug, with a beam of 11 m, left its base in Cartagena in Colombia to the US Gulf to collect the two 62-m PSVs for their tandem towage across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea to Turkey.
This was a complete voyage of 13,675 nautical miles over 113 days, with a stopover in Gulfport to connect the PSVs ready for the transatlantic journey.
“We overcame a challenge not only in technical and logistical terms, but also because of the experience and operational capacity displayed by our entire team,” said SAAM Towage manager for operations in Colombia and Ecuador, Guillermo Burga.
“Towing two units at the same time is an infrequent, complex manoeuvre that requires a great deal of precision,” he said. “It is also synonymous with confidence in our service, with expert crews and a strong commitment to safety.”
SAAM Towage added this "logistics operation sets a new precedent for the company’s operational capacity. A real milestone in sailing.”
Sea Trout was selected due to its high levels of autonomy, towing capacity and equipment, with a A3 zone navigation system.
Its communications system was upgraded prior to this voyage so crew could remain in contact with family and friends throughout the voyage.
Crew were given additional training in deepsea towage and took an advanced sea survival course before undertaking this towage operation.
SAAM Towage’s operations control centre monitored the tug throughout this voyage using sensors, closed circuit TV cameras and information from the crew.
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