Emergency Towing Vessel Contracted for Scotland
The U.K. Government’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has awarded a five-year contract for a new Scottish Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) to Ardent Maritime Netherlands BV, to begin on December 31, 2016.
The ship is the Ievoli Black, a 70-meter towing vessel of some 2,283 gross metric tons and a bollard pull of 139 metric tons, capable of firefighting operations, anchor handling, towing, research and underwater services. The Marnavi-owned Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel is experienced in ETV operations, having served as an ETV for the Netherlands from 2010 to 2013.
The Ievoli Black has sailed from her current station in the Adriatic and is making her way to the U.K. in time to relieve the existing MCA tug, the Herakles, of its duties by December 31.
The emergency tug is funded by the U.K. Government. Ministers announced earlier this year that they would guarantee funding for the next five years to support maritime safety in the area.
Following comprehensive engagement with local stakeholders through spring 2016, the risks to shipping off north and north-western Scotland were assessed and requirements established. The contract was awarded after an open market competition involving 22 bids and in early August, tenders were invited to meet a broad array of capability. The bids were evaluated based on vessel type and dimensions, age, bollard pull, speed, crew complement and experience, training and exercises, efficiency and the chargeable day rate.
UK Minister of State for Maritime the Rt Hon John Hayes MP commented, “I welcome the arrival of our new tugboat. Maritime safety is of the greatest importance to the U.K. Government. This Scottish ETV will stand ready to support commercial vessels which get into trouble at sea and in doing so, will safeguard the Scottish coastline.”
The MCA’s Director of Maritime Operations Richard Parkes said, “Maritime safety is always our priority. This is why we have secured a new emergency towing vessel to protect the shores of north and north-west Scotland, where the ready availability of commercial towage is not guaranteed.”
Ardent currently provides emergency towage, salvage support or consultation to eight governmental agencies worldwide. In the past, Ardent provided Emergency Towage Training as part of similar agreements with governmental maritime agencies.
“The award of this contract caps a 2016 where Ardent has seen significant positive development, including successful completion of the merger, a strong HSEQ and operational track record”. said Peter Pietka, Ardent CEO.