Farmar Arion back in familiar waters

Text: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

“We have just had a crew change in Las Palmas; the previous crew change was in Cape Verde. It’s rather special, and of course exotic for those working on board,” says John W. Nilsen, managing director of Farmar.

Cape Verde is an archipelago and republic off the west coast of Africa, known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant music culture.

"MANY THOUSANDS of nautical miles have been covered. First across the Atlantic to Canada to collect a tow, then a trip south-east the other way down into the Gulf of Guinea.”

Because ships in the waters off the West African coast have previously been subjected to both piracy and theft, Farmar Arion was secured with barbed wire and reinforcing bars around the entire hull, and in addition, a patrol boat was hired as an escort for the final leg towards the rendezvous point.

The tow was concluded out in open sea, over 200 nautical miles from land.

The tug that then took over the tow had armed guards on board, as it came from and was heading back to more dangerous waters.

"IT IS NOT often we have to pirate-proof our fleet, but the better safe than sorry principle is never wrong to follow,” says Nilsen.

Farmar Arion is now on its way to a new job. This time, a larger vessel is to be escorted northwards – from the coast of North Africa to Gibraltar.

After that, the next destination has yet to be decided.

“Now that we are also getting the new tug in place, we are even better equipped for such international assignments. Farmar Ares is built for ocean-going operations and has the fuel capacity to tow across the Atlantic, but for now, Farmar Arion is still the best for such trips,” says Nilsen.