Russian trawler towed to safety in severe weather

Text: Sveinung W. Jensen, Tellus Kommunikasjon

As severe weather swept in along the coast, a challenging situation developed off Egersund. The factory trawler had lost propulsion and needed towage assistance to reach shore.

Farmar Ares departed Farsund without delay, and in difficult conditions the crew succeeded in securing a tow line to the vessel. With assistance from Farmar Arion, the trawler was brought safely into Egersund during the night into Saturday.

THE OPERATION was carried out in close cooperation with the Coast Guard, the Norwegian Coastal Administration and the fire service.

“When the storm hits, we keep all our vessels on standby so that we can assist if anyone needs help. This was an operation that required a rapid response, reliable equipment and a crew that knows what it is doing under pressure,” says John W. Nilsen, Managing Director of Farmar.

HE HIGHLIGHTS the coordination between the emergency response agencies as crucial to the outcome.

“This was carried out extremely well, thanks to strong cooperation between the Coast Guard, the Norwegian Coastal Administration, the fire service and our own people. When everyone pulls in the same direction, it is possible to resolve even demanding incidents in a safe and efficient manner,” says Nilsen.

FARMAR ARES is currently the newest addition to Farmar’s tug fleet. The vessel was built in 2016, but has relatively low operating hours compared with many other similar vessels of the same age.

The tug was built for offshore operations and can remain at work for long periods without needing to refuel.

With high bollard pull and substantial fuel capacity, the vessel is designed for assignments in tough conditions and where the demands are considerable.

Earlier this year, Farmar Ares underwent its special periodic survey. The tug is now back in full operation