On Friday 25th August 2023 the Damen 2021 built 27.05 metre anchor handling tug DUCHESS arrived at Malta towing 2 Flat Top Barges – a Damen Stan Pontoon 6316, the 63metre GPS 631 and the Tabmarine Barge 5019 50 metre OSPREY FABRIQUE.
Local Tugs SEA SALVOR and WENZINA who was on duty started the operation which the DUCHESS disconnected the first barge – OSPREY FABRIQUE homeported at Newcastle (GBR Flag) which had Duty Pilot Onboard too.
Delivered in 2021 she has a length overall (loa) of 50 metres, a beam of 18.8 metres, a height of three metres, and a deck cargo capacity of 20 tonnes per square metre. Equipment includes six double bollards, three tow brackets with fairleads, two 1,000-mm spud cans, and two 23-metre spud poles.
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/osprey-fabrique-25-08-2023/
After the barge was secured at Bezzina Ship Repair Yard (BSRY) , it was the turn for the Dutch (NLD Flag) barge homeported in Hulst GPS 631
Delivered in 2015 she has a length overall (loa) of 63.04 metres and a beam of 16.54 metres with a deck cargo capacity of 15 tonnes per square metre. Equipment includes six double bollards, emergency towing pin in her bow and 4 spud poles.
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/gps-631-25-08-2023/
Few minutes later the 2021 built tug DUCHESS homeported at Jersey (GBR Flag) entered too, following the barge GPS 631 –
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/duchess-25-08-2023/
All 3 vessels entered Grand Harbour for the first time so it was their Maiden Call and barges to be used at Ras Hanzir Quay Extension Project.
Towage was represented in Malta by Medsea Shipping Agency – http://www.medsea.com.mt which they are our SPONSORS too for a lifetime.