Escort Tug Trio Named in Hammerfest

Østensjø Rederi’s three new escort towing vessels were officially named on August 26 in Hammerfest. 

Sponsors of the trio were Unni M. S. Fjær, Inger Vik Framnes and Siv Halvorsen officially naming the vessels Dux, Pax and Audax. In attendance on behalf of designers Robert Allan Ltd. was Rob Allan, Executive Chairman of the Board, on behalf of Østensjø were Chairman of the Board Johannes Østensjø, Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Walland, and Project manager Carl-Johan Amundsen. On behalf of Builders Astilleros Gondán S.A. were their President Álvaro Platero and Financial Director Luis Cotarelo.

The 40.2 m RAstar 4000-DF dual fuel LNG/diesel extreme escort tugs were specifically designed for operations at Statoil's Melkøya LNG terminal at Hammerfest at the top of Norway. The vessels are capable of exceptionally high escort steering and braking forces for counteracting a tanker steering or propulsion failure and can achieve very high free running speeds to facilitate connecting to tankers at fast speeds. In additional to severe weather escorting and ship berthing, the vessels are further capable of emergency response duties including long line emergency towing, off-ship fire-fighting (FiFI I), and oil spill containment and recovery (Oil Rec.). Accommodations are generous in size, very well appointed and comfortable for a crew of up to 8 with large gym, a spacious ship’s office, and low noise levels throughout.

The Dux, Pax and Audax will play a crucial role ensuring safe and efficient movement of LNG carriers at the Melkoya facility for proud Owners Østensjø Rederi AS.

ral.ca