Powerful new tug boat joins fleet at Foyle Port

Foyle Port has officially launched a new state-of-the-art tug boat that represents an investment of £4m in the ongoing development of the port's business.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Feb 2017, 13:57 BST
Updated 1st Mar 2017, 09:30 BST
Foyle Port has officially launched its new state-of-the-art tug boat StrathfoyleFoyle Port has officially launched its new state-of-the-art tug boat Strathfoyle
Foyle Port has officially launched its new state-of-the-art tug boat Strathfoyle

The ‘Strathfoyle’ was launched at a short ceremony at the port’s Lisahally Terminal which was attended by staff, customers and other port stakeholders.

The new vessel is a Damen ASD 2310 built by Dutch shipbuilder The Damen Group, which specialises in powerful tugs, workboats and patrol vessels.

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The 23-metre long tug has a maximum bollard pull of 50 tonnes and will be the most powerful vessel in the four-strong Foyle Port tug fleet with two stern engines capable of generating a 360 degree, all-directional propulsion force.

The new Foyle Port tug will also be fitted with the optional aft towing winch and a hydraulic deck crane to equip it for general harbour and terminal assistance duties, as well as sea towing.

Captain Bill McCann, harbour master and operations director at Foyle Port, said: “Strathfoyle, working alongside its sister tug Shrove, will ensure Foyle Port offers the safest, most efficient, manoeuvrable and powerful towage service needed for the very large vessels that now berth at the Lisahally terminal.

“This significant £4m investment in new equipment demonstrates Foyle Port’s continued commitment to our customers and will, we believe, help us to play our part in further regional growth across the north west.”

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The Strathfoyle will work alongside the Port’s existing ASD tug the Shrove and replace its older conventional single screw tug the Culmore, which will be kept in reserve for use when either of the others is in dry-dock for servicing.