Semco continues fleet expansion

Following on from the delivery of two 165 tonnes bollard pull towing/salvage tugs in early 2004, Semco Salvage & Marine Pte Ltd has taken another step in renewing and enhancing its fleet capability. The PSA Marine subsidiary has signed with Universal Shipbuilding Corp (USC) of Japan for two 150 tonnes towing/salvage tugs with an option for a third. The two new tugs will be built at USC?s Keihin Shipyard, near Kawasaki. USC is owned by Hitachi Zosen and NKK.

The newbuildings will reinforce Semco?s position as a leading ocean towing company operating an expanding fleet of new and powerful towing tugs. The first of the two new tugs is expected to be delivered at the end of 2006, with the second unit following three months later.

As in the case of the tugs Salvanguard and Salviscount, delivered in early 2004, the newbuildings will have 2,000 cbm tankage capacity for heavy fuel, enabling the tugs to tow non-stop for over 6,000 nautical miles without refueling. Peter Lee says: “This is a key operational advantage over the competition. These tugs will also be fully equipped with shark?s jaws, stern roller, bow and stern thrusters and salvage gear.