Posted on December 3, 2020
Kotug has acquired a powerful anchor-handling tug on the back of a long-term oil field support contract in Guyana.
Kotug, along with other similar towage companies have in the past been best known for traditional shiphandling operations in their domicile country. The changing nature of this sector, including consolidation has however seen major operators expanding into new markets abroad, bringing their skills and experience to areas including both onshore and offshore oil and gas operations, an industry demanding high standards in areas including safety and efficiency.
This latest contract for Kotug will see the Rotterdam-based towage service provider operating for the first time in South America with the awarding of a long-term contract by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited for offshore terminal towage support at the Liza Field. Working under the entity Kotug Guyana Inc, work will involve supporting existing and upcoming FPSOs, providing towage assistance to export tankers, infield support and cargo duties.
To support the contract, Kotug has acquired the Norwegian DP-2 anchor-handling tug BB Power. Built in Romania in 2015 it was previously operated by Bukser og Berging and as SD Power is now flying the Bahamas flag from its previous Norwegian registry.
At 42.5m in length with a breadth of 15.6m it is a significant vessel offering a bollard pull of 130t and speed 15kn from two ABC 6DZC main engines developing 6,188kW (8,414hp) driving two directional propellers, manoeuvrability aided by two bow tunnel thrusters.
Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of Kotug states: ‘Being part of the growing offshore oil and gas activities in the cooperative republic of Guyana and working together with one of world’s largest oil majors ExxonMobil for us is an important milestone and in line with our long-term strategy to grow our business in the FPSO support business. Kotug believes that with its innovative and customer focused approach it can help clients meet their global commitments.’
As mentioned, Kotug is a global operation with a presence in Europe, Russia, Australia, Africa, Middle East, the Caribbean, North America and now South America. A representative example of Kotug’s infield support activities is where the 100tbp Rotortugs RT Beagle Bay, RT Kuri Bay and RT Roebuck Bay are supporting Shell’s Prelude FLNG facility 475km off Western Australia.
By Peter Barker
Source: maritimejournal
