Farmar Arion replaces tow wire

Text and photo: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

“We carried out this job ourselves while the vessel was alongside at our base in Lundevågen. We think that’s pretty tough,” says Managing Director John W. Nilsen.

The unwinding of the used wire was done with the company’s own spooler. The old wire was wound onto a drum for reuse in other projects, while a new certified wire was spooled into place.

"HOW LONG SUCH a wire lasts obviously depends on its use. We have our own routines for when the wires must be replaced and re-certified,” Nilsen explains.

Measuring 45.5 by 14.6 metres, Farmar Arion is the largest vessel in the company’s fleet. Since December 2022, it has been permanently based in Thyborøn on the Danish west coast, strategically located near the main shipping lanes in and out of the Baltic Sea.

It is currently moored in Lundevågen, where both the wire replacement and other maintenance are being carried out.

THE THIRD ENGINEER and the deckhand apprentice have had their hands full with tasks on board.

“There’s always maintenance on board. Every day. Right now, we’re doing a bit of painting and some rust removal,” says the apprentice.

THE CAPTAIN OF Farmar Arion, Jan Erik Steinry, believes the Lundevågen base offers the best working conditions for such assignments.

“It’s much easier to replace the wire when we’re at the base. We get great support,” he says.

Steinry works as a freelance captain and is now on his second stint aboard Farmar Arion. He is already set to head out on a new voyage in October.