SMS Towage Adds to Humber Tug Fleet

Harbour authority Associated British Ports(ABP) has welcomed SMS Towage’s new tug, called Manxman.

Manxman has 5,600 brake horsepwoer, offering more power than seven Ferraris and cost GBP5mln.

The tug was built by international shipyard group Damen, based in Holland. It’s technically known as the Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) 2411 tug.

The new addition, which will bring SMS Towage’s Humber fleet up to a sturdy 10 represents circa £5 million worth of investment.

With another seven tugs located across South East Wales Ports, Portsmouth and Belfast, SMS Towage’s offering to ports across the country are ever expanding.

Gareth Escreet, Managing Director of SMS Towage said: “The increase in fleet size, especially with a tug of that power, will enable us to utilise our fleet more efficiently by opening up the opportunities to ‘de-tug’ on the various river berths. This will enhance the service levels for SMS Towage and ABP’s joint clients.”

Chris Green, ABP Port Manager for Hull and Goole said: “The tug providers on the Humber are pivotal to keeping the trade routes open. The tugs help vessels with difficult manoeuvres and also assist in adverse weather. We’re pleased to see SMS Towage strengthening their fleet and look forward to welcoming Manxman through the locks.”