In line with the aim to have one of the best maintained fleets on the Thames and to ensure that the fleet is in all respects ready to meet the challenges of the next 3 to 5 years of intense activity on the Thames, the tugs GPS Anglia, GPS India have both been drydocked at Shoreham and surveyed in accordance with the SCV Code with a view to them being coded for operations up to 20 miles offshore. In addition, the GPS Anglia’s stern gear has been thoroughly overhauled and part renewed, she has been provided with a new propeller produced by Teignbridge Engineering. Both tugs are expected to be issued with their coding certificates before the end of November 2016.
Again, in anticipation of busy times ahead, following a complete overhaul of her main engine, fluid flywheel and all auxiliaries, the tug GPS Racia is lying at Upnor awaiting drydocking prior to re-entering service when demand for tugs on the Thames increases during early 2017. Similarly, following a period of lay-up the GPS Vincia is undergoing a complete overhaul of her main and auxiliary engines as well as having her accommodation and navigational aids updated. The tug is expected to go to drydock in Q1 2017 with a view to being ready to re-enter service during the second quarter of 2017 to meet increased operational demand.
Similarly in the barge fleet, the barge 1504 has been sent to Dockside Ship Facilities BV in Ridderkerk for class renewal, leaving the Thames on 22nd October and expected to be back in service on the Thames before the end of December 2016. A “new” barge the 1001 will enter service in late October 2016. Being 38m LoA, 11m beam and having a maximum draft of 3.5m this box hold barge affords the ability to deliver 1000 tonnes of cargo to severely length constrained berths and will, no doubt, prove useful for the support of civil engineering projects and in the aggregate trades.
