Service 02
For everything that cannot get there on its own
Inter-port tows of barges, pontoons, floating equipment and vessels with restricted manoeuvrability. A tow is not a manoeuvre; it is a voyage with a plan of its own.
- Scope
- Ocean & coastal towage
- Tow objects
- Barge · Pontoon · Vessel
- Availability
- 24/7
01Approach
A tow is planned like a voyage
Towing a barge, pontoon, floating crane or a vessel that cannot proceed under her own power is not a harbour manoeuvre: it needs a route plan, a weather window, a towline arrangement and a contingency scenario.
A tow survey is carried out beforehand: connection points, towline and chain arrangement, spare equipment and the seaworthiness of the towed object are all checked. On longer tows, insurance and warranty surveyor approval form part of the process.
Position and weather are monitored throughout. Where to take shelter if conditions deteriorate is decided before the voyage begins, not during it.
02What we tow
Units we tow regularly
Barges and pontoons
Loaded or empty barges, flat-top pontoons and skidded unit deliveries.
Floating equipment
Floating cranes, dredgers, floating docks and similar units without their own propulsion.
Vessels with restricted manoeuvrability
Vessels under tow for machinery failure, yard delivery or delivery to recycling.
Newbuilding deliveries
Tows from the building berth to the outfitting quay or delivery port.
Project units
Large steel structures, modules and heavy units moved by sea.
Positioning
Precise placement of a floating unit at a buoy, jetty or installation point.
03Process
Five steps from enquiry to delivery
- 01
Tow survey
Dimensions, displacement, connection points and seaworthiness of the tow are inspected on site.
- 02
Power and rigging calculation
Required bollard pull is calculated; main line, emergency line, chain and connection gear are specified.
- 03
Route and weather window
Route, ports of refuge and weather window are planned, allowing for seasonal restrictions.
- 04
Permits and approvals
Port authority notification, transit permissions and, where required, warranty surveyor approval are completed.
- 05
Voyage and delivery
Position and weather are monitored throughout; casting off and handover are coordinated on arrival.
Next step