PORTS of Jersey has taken delivery of a new tug that will carry out work in and around the Island’s harbours.
Devout, a multi-purpose vessel built in 2009 and previously owned by Thamescraft Dry Docking Services, arrived in Jersey last week.
The vessel cost £1.2m and was bought the week before Christmas.
Devout has twin Caterpillar engines, an onboard deck crane and a 16-ton bollard pull, and is capable of working up to 20 miles from shore.
The tug will be based in Jersey and, alongside her primary role of supporting vessels accessing the Harbour in poor weather, she will be used by the maintenance team for various tasks – including deploying seasonal buoyage, as well as ladder and quay repairs.
Announcing Devout’s arrival, Ports said that its larger Marine Services vessels, which work commercially on projects around the world, “will still be seen from time to time in Jersey waters” when they come to support projects and maintenance work.
Marine operations manager Fleur Moisan added: “We are delighted to welcome Devout to Jersey. Over the next few months, she will undergo a makeover as she transitions into her role with us.”
She added: “The team is looking forward to carrying out the necessary maintenance and familiarisation training, to ensure she is fully operational for her duties in and around our harbours.”
Vital stats
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A bollard pull refers to a measurement of a vessel’s pulling or towing power, usually calculated through a test involving a tow-line and shore-mounted bollard.
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Ports of Jersey has five vessels in its commercial workboat fleet: Duke of Normandy, Duchess, Elisa, Viking Energy and Severn Supporter.
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This marine business last year generated an income of £7.6 million, which is invested in the maintenance and development of Jersey’s critical maritime infrastructure.
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Two 50-to-60-metre flat barges are due to be added to the fleet this year.
