The tug, which goes by the name of Bonxie, will be operating from the port of Sullom Voe, the United Kingdom’s largest petroleum export terminal
This morning, the Boluda Shipyards installations witnessed the launch of “Bonxie”, the tug specially built for the Shetland Islands Council. The Boluda Corporación Marítima, the division which focuses on the construction and repair of vessels, has been working for approximately twelve months on the construction of this tug which will mainly operate in the North Sea, from the Sullom Voe terminal, alongside “Solan”, the twin tug launched a couple of months ago. This is the largest petroleum terminal in the United Kingdom with a volume of 25 million tons per year.
The tug was officially launched by Iris Hawkins, Vice-Chair for the Shetland Islands Council Ports and Harbours Authority, having travelled from the Islands to Valencia for the event, as well as various representatives from the port and local authorities. Representatives from the Valencia based company included Alicia Martín, managing director of the Boluda Corporación Marítima, Luis Martín Aragón, production manager, and Carlos Guerrero, marketing manager for Boluda Shipyards.
The newly launched “Bonxie” tug and her sister ship “Solan” both share the same technical features, the 37 metre length, the 14 metre beam, the 5.50 metre draught, a speed of 14 knots and the 70 ton bollard pull, to name but a few. These tugs have been specially designed for both towing and port assistance services with onboard accommodation for up to six members of crew.
Through the company’s Boluda Shipyards division, the Boluda Corporación Marítima, currently operates two shipyards, one in the port of Barcelona (specializing in ship repairs) and the other in the port of Valencia (specializing in design and construction). The company’s shipyards division currently has orders in hand for the construction of 20 vessels up until the middle of 2011.
