Three new tugs have been added to the fleet of SMS Towage Ltd in a major investment.
The East Yorkshire company has bought tractor tug Roman, while also taking ownership of vessels Manxman and Marksman from the Dutch shipbuilder Damen, having operated them under a lease hire agreement since they were built last year.
It takes the fleet of the 海角视频’s largest independent operator to 18.
Gareth Escreet, SMS’ managing director, said: “The arrival and purchase of the two Damen tugs provides a clear message to our very supportive client base of our desire to provide modern towage assets of the very latest design, capable of safely handling the larger vessels, which visit the ports where we operate.
“In recent times the Manxman has been utilised to berth large tankers and ore carriers on the Humber, whilst the Marksman has been used to assist the Royal Navy in berthing the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth.”
The pair are identical vessels, built in 2019, wih 4,200kW of power.
Roman, equipped with two Deutz main engines capable of delivering 3,500HP, was built in 1999.
Hull law firm Andrew Jackson advised the Hessle company's management, with Rebecca Hardy of the firm’s shipping and transport team praised as the latest acquisitions surpassed £19 million of purchases made with the two working together.
Most Read
“We continue to be delighted with the advice and help we receive from Andrew Jackson’s shipping and transport team,” Mr Escreet said.
“Rebecca helped us overcome a number of complicated hurdles relating to the purchase of our latest tug, Roman, including some very difficult negotiations with lawyers representing the previous owners. She also dealt quickly with the refinancing and subsequent purchases of the Manxman and Marksman, liaising promptly with the RSS (Registry of Shipping and Seamen) in Cardiff, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership.”
SMS, based at Ocean House on Waterside Park, was established in 1992, providing harbour and specialist platform support for oil and renewable energy industries.
Dominic Ward, senior partner and head of Andrew Jackson’s shipping and transport team, said: “Andrew Jackson has worked with SMS Towage for over 20 years, so it is particularly pleasing that we have been able to assist our long-standing client with the purchase of these latest additions to their growing fleet.”