Eastern Canada Towing Limited Names New Tug
November 3, 2005
(Halifax, NS) - With the smashing of a champagne bottle on its bow, the Svitzer Bedford was officially named Eastern Canada Towing Limited's new tug. Becoming the most powerful of ECTUG's Halifax's fleet, she is equipped with a comprehensive array of modern navigational equipment and as an Azimuthing Stern Drive tug, she has exceptional maneuverability.
"Our tug fleet in Halifax, now enhanced by our new vessel, the Svitzer Bedford, is a demonstration of our commitment and determination to assist in the continued development and expansion of the Port of Halifax," says Doug Harding. "We are very proud to welcome her to our fleet."
Owned by Svitzer Marine, the vessel was christened by her new godmother, Karen Oldfield, President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority at a ceremony held at Eastern Canada Towing's wharf in Halifax. The tug's name was chosen to indicate ownership and to recognize a local place of interest and importance, hence Svitzer Bedford.
She was transported to Halifax in September from Chile where she was built at the ASENAV yard to the stringent requirements of Transport Canada and Lloyd's Register of Shipping. Upon her arrival, she was immediately incorporated into the Halifax operation, assisting ships on and off berths in the Harbour.
Highlights of the vessel:
- Static bollard pull of 63 tonnes
- Powered by two Caterpillar engines
- Total power of 4,890 hp
- Speed of 13.5 knots
- Has an ice strengthened hull
- Equipped with a comprehensive fire fighting system to international standard FiFi1
ECTUG has operated from Halifax since the early 1920s and is now part of the SvitzerWijsmuller Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of A. P. Moller Maersk based in Denmark. SvitzerWijsmuller is a global marine organization with more than 170 years' experience, employing some 2,000 employees in 34 countries and operating a fleet in excess of 250 vessels. The Group's main areas of operation are harbour and terminal towage, salvage and standby vessels. The Group has invested heavily in its UK\Canada Region since it took ownership in 2001 and Svitzer Bedford is part of a multi million dollar investment program.
Eastern Canada Towing offers its customers not only new technology, and a safe and efficient operation but a well trained and well motivated staff who will promote the Company's vision and objectives in dealing with customers and suppliers.
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For more information, please contact:
Doug HardingRegional Director
Eastern Canada Towing Limited
Tel: 902.423.7381
Cell: 902.483.0420
E-mail: doug.harding@ectug.com
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