MTS VANGUARD

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Tug lost pipe

Transnet National Ports Authority’s Port of Richards Bay marine operations team came to the aid of the "MTS Vanguard", when it lost one of eight 500 metre long pipes it was towing along the South African coast en-route from Carolina to Kuwait on April 3, 2019. The pipes, each weighing 360 tons, were being towed using a specialised towing bridle, when one pipe broke loose during adverse weather conditions. The TNPA Port Control received a request from Marine Technical Services (MTS), requesting an emergency diversion to the Port of Richards Bay. The "MTS Vanguard" arrived at port limits with the pipes in tow on April 7, where she was brought safely into port by a TNPA marine pilot, with the assistance of the two TNPA tugs "Iphotwe" and "Ukhozi". The Subtech Group was contracted by MTS to assist with the recovery and tow of the snapped pipe 500 miles east of Richards Bay, which was brought alongside the Repair Berth, Small Craft Harbour by the tug "Indongeni" on April 9 with the assistance of the two TNPA tugs and three pilots. The whole operation took six hours and the pipes were all secured along the Repair Berth. Due to the size of the pipes, the port’s navigational buoys at the Small Craft Harbour had to be repositioned to ensure the successful tow and berthing of the pipes. On inspection by Subtech Group, it was discovered that the entire towing bridle sourced from Holland, needed to be replaced before the "MTS Vanguard" may continue on her journey. The crew on board the "MTS Vanguard" has been at sea for three months since leaving Carolina, and their was is expected to take another seven to eight weeks to reach the destination. The tug was expected to continue the voyage within the next 10 days. Report with photo: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/tnpa-provides-emergency-assistance-to-pipe-towing-tug-2019-04-11