ROMAN

[magoonigal]

I think the answer to that, at the moment is no, Ron. They seem to be using the berth on the Port Clarence side just above the Transporter Bridge opposite the Tees Dredger base etc.. the most or the Far Side of the old entrance to Middlesbrough Dock.

[Hornbeam]

Thank You for your reply Paul, Svitzer must have been spitting feathers when SMS based themselves near the old Middlesbrough Dock close to their Base. Ron@2.

[northeast]

I recall the day around mid-1980's when I was Commercial Manager for Hull and a chap from the newly-formed SMS came in to ask if it would be OK for them to base tugs in King George Dock ... well, there was no legal control or restriction by us over towage so the answer was yes ... did I help to start something big?
What chance they will receive a healthy take-over bid in due course?

[Patrick Hill]

Four of the fleet up there at present, ROMAN, PULLMAN, YORKSHIREMAN and NOBLEMAN.

[Hornbeam]

I recall the day around mid-1980's when I was Commercial Manager for Hull and a chap from the newly-formed SMS came in to ask if it would be OK for them to base tugs in King George Dock ... well, there was no legal control or restriction by us over towage so the answer was yes ... did I help to start something big?
What chance they will receive a healthy take-over bid in due course?

Sounds like you are harking back to the old days N.E. Old man Crosthwaite soon put paid to Robinsons Tugs one way or another.

[northeast]

Well at least he continued to use my namesake tug

Photo and details from 'Seahorses of the Tees' by the late John Proud.

[Patrick Hill]

Specs for ROMAN - https://www.smstowage.com/ship/roman

[Hornbeam]

Their Site is interesting, I would go for the 'Welshman' however their Fleet C.V. Is not as impressive as Crosthwaites, they can't be many Towing Companies who spent weeks towing a Faux Whale around Southern Ireland. There was a Fireman on the TCC who was from the Robinson Clan who did that "mission,"when he was having a smoke on Deck would spit in the direction of a Crosthwaite Tug.

[TEESMAN]

Photo Michael Green

ROMAN at Able Bex Quay 23.11.20

[teesships]

ROMAN (9207106), United Kingdom, 228gt, completed La Spezia 3-1999
1999 ALFREDO NERI - 2018 MOMENTUM G - 2020 ROMAN

Port Clarence, River Tees - 13 April 2021:

Initially, this one fooled me completely. Through my view-finder I could see the name GUARDSMAN and it was as such she went into my notebook. Only when editing this photo did I realise she was actually the innermost, mainly obscured, of two tugs and the main subject was indeed the ROMAN!

Ron M