A new VSP terminal-escort tug has been delivered to Tug Malta Limted by Armon Shipyards at Gijon, Spain, on Monday 22 June 2009. She has been named SPINOLA. The Voith-Schneider propulsion tractor tug, with an open stern, has two MAK main engines producing a total power of 7,180 BHP, and a Bollard Pull of over 81 tons.
SPINOLA is equipped with a Fire Fighting (FiFi) system class 1, and with full Oil Recovery equipment on board to combat any marine pollution. The vessel travelled from Spain to Malta on its own power and was manned by a Maltese crew under the command of Capt. Herman Thornton, Tug Malta’s Operations Manager. SPINOLA arrived in Grand Harbour at noon on Friday 3 July. She is based in Malta and will carry out both harbour towage services and salvage/off port towage services.
