26-09-2014

On 12 and 26 September 2014, KOTUG towed the two new Botlek bridge deck part to its destination near Rotterdam.

The bridge decks are part of a construction of the new Botlek Bridge, built at the Mammoet yard in Schiedam. After the bridge decks were loaded onto the barge, KOTUG’s Rotortugs RT Magic and RT Spirit towed both decks from Schiedam to the construction site in the river “Oude-Maas” near Rotterdam. The construction-site is located up-river the old “Botlek-bridge”.

The barge with its cargo being just over 57 meters with a bridge clearance of 58 meters (approximately 10 meters above water level), there was only 30cm margins at both sides of the old Botlek-bridge passage manoeuvring space left.

Therefore, very precise maneuvering was required from the tugs and their tow masters. Maximum manoeuvering and a minimum reaction delay were achieved while operating this way.

The manoeuvrability in confined areas has been significantly improved due to the patented Rotortug concept, which benefits the safety of the bridge sections and all surrounding objects. The design of the Rotortug shows that the power can be delivered by rotating the thrusters rather than the tug itself, which saves space and manoeuvring time. A real advantage for a narrow lock or bridge passage and assisting in confined areas.

13-02-2014

Shell Australia has awarded a major contract for the design, construction and operation of three Infield Support Vessels (ISVs) to KT Maritime to support its Prelude FLNG Project, located 475km north-north east of Broome, in Western Australia.

KT Maritime Services Australia Pty Ltd (Joint Venture partnership of KOTUG and Teekay) will supply three 42 metre-long, 100-tonne bollard-pull Rotortugs to assist in product offloading during the operations phase of the project. The ISVs will operate out of the Port of Broome on a rotation.

First in Floating LNG

The vessels have been specifically designed to meet the Prelude FLNG facility’s unique marine services requirements which include tanker berthing and offshore operations support, including emergency response, for a period of at least 25 years.

The contract is expected to create approximately 80 new Australian jobs and includes commitments to the employment of Indigenous trainees supported by Aboriginal Marine Services based in Perth.

“This is a very significant contract when it comes to the ongoing operation of Prelude FLNG, and our key priorities in awarding the contract were finding a partner who could deliver the vessels and services safely, and secure good local employment and training outcomes,” said Shell Australia Country Chair, Andrew Smith.

“This contract is an example of the long term benefits of Prelude FLNG. During the operations and maintenance phase we expect to spend at least $200 million per year on local content, this is a very positive level of investment into the Australian economy.”

David Parmeter, Director, KT Maritime said “To be part of Shell’s first deployment of Floating LNG technology is an important milestone for our business, and we look forward to supporting the Prelude FLNG development throughout its operations.

This joint partnership combines the technical innovation and expertise of KOTUG, with Teekay’s experience as a marine operator in Australia.”

Fellow KT Maritime Director Mr Ard-Jan Kooren said “We are proud to be working with Shell Australia in pioneering FLNG technology, and look forward to changing the game together over the decades ahead.”

24-08-13

The semi-submersible drilling rig Stena Spey arrived for a Special Periodical Survey (SPS) & upgrade at the Keppel Verolme Yard on April 8th, 2013. The KOTUG tugs assisted the rig to the yard.

After this maintenance periode, the Stena Spey was shifted by four KOTUG tugs for an inclination test in the Caland Canal on August 19th.

August 23rd the Stena Spey left the port of Rotterdam an returned to its working place in the North Sea.

25-09-2012

For Jan de Nul, KOTUG towed the barge 120 with a precious cargo of wind turbine foundations from Zeebrugge to Oskarshamn, via Kieler Kanaal.

After delivery of the barge at Oskarshamn RT Magic remained in charter with Jan de Nul to render general assistance at the project .

31-07-2012

As from August 2012, Teekay Shipping Australia Pty Ltd. (Teekay) and KOTUG International B.V. The Netherlands (KOTUG) established a new Joint Venture (JV) company, called KT Maritime Services Australia Pty Ltd, to pursue new business opportunities in the Australian towage market.

The JV between Teekay and KOTUG will bring together complementary skills from each partner. KOTUG has many years of practical and technical experience in the towage field, including the deployment of our highly maneuverable RotorTug technology.

Combined with Teekay’s worldwide reputation for operational leadership and deep knowledge and expertise in the Australian crewing and ship management markets, it results in a strong partnership to pursue new business.

The Australian market for towage services is growing as new LNG projects begin production, adding to the ongoing growth in Australian coal and iron ore export shipments. Since 2002, Teekay has operated in the Australian towage market at both Hay Point and Port Hedland where we manage several Rotortugs and have experience with several KOTUG Rotortug vessels.

Under the terms of the JV agreement, Teekay and KOTUG will both continue to separately manage respective existing operations in various Australian ports.

February 2014, Shell Australia has awarded a major contract for the design, construction and operation of three Infield Support Vessels (ISVs) to KT Maritime to support its Prelude FLNG Project, located 475km north-north east of Broome, in Western Australia.

18-11-13

four KOTUG tugs towed the Borwin Beta platform to the yard of Keppel Verolme in the Port of Rotterdam.

Borwin Beta is a converter platform and will be the link between Global Tech 1 and Veja Mate offshore wind farms and the grid. The main structure of the converter platform Borwin Beta dimensions are 73 meters length,  51 meters width and 35 meters height and it will be installed offshore.