by magoonigal » Fri Nov 20, 2020 1:19 am
I'm sure your right. On Saturday (14th) the Acc Barge ASV PIONEER was towed from Blyth to the Tyne to Dry Dock. NOBLEMAN came up from the Tees on the Friday and berthed alongside the Barge overnight. The YORKSHIREMAN left the Humber on Friday Night and came up to Blyth at full speed all the way to arrive in Blyth at 0730 on Saturday. The barge was towed out at 0830 on Saturday with NOBLEMAN head tug and YORKSHIREMAN stern tug. Once out at sea the YORKSHIREMAN returned to Blyth to lie over until Sunday when she left for the Tees, and then the Humber. NOBLEMAN took the tow to the Tyne where she was assisted by the SVITZER TYNE and SUN to drydock the barge. She then left later in the day to return to the Tees. The job was said to be cheaper than Svitzers price for getting the SUN and TYNE to Blyth. Svitzers have covered all the Barges moves in the past. Taking all into account I cannot see SMS making any money out of the tow, but it does get then noticed.
Paul Hood. + WSS Tyneside Branch Hon Sec.