2018 – NOORDSTROOM

After a maintenance period in its home port in Hardinxveld, the NOORDTROOM left Rotterdam in early February for a towing trip in Port Gentil, Gabon. A journey of around 4.750 NM, with the diving support pontoon 'Sili Du' on its towing wire. The NOORDSTROOM goes to Africa.

History
The crew of the Noordstroom talks about their experiences: ‘On our way to Port Gentil we had the opportunity to take part in a ‘Ship to shore drill’. We would like to thank everyone for the good cooperation and quick response in case we were attacked by the ‘Black Pearl’. About five days before our arrival at Port Gentil we received new orders from the office. We had to transfer the pontoon at sea and adjust our course to Banana. With the use of extensive communication means that were at our disposal, we consulted with the Ship, Office, Client, Broker and Towing surveyor: The new plan was a go. We had to continue our journey to Port Gentil and would meet the AHTS ‘Ingrid K’ halfway. Our appointment took place in mid-March, right on the equator. After transferring the tow to the ‘anchor handling tug supplier’ we set course to Banana, Democratic Republic of Congo. We were sent there to assist with a rig move. The client required a special shallow draft tug (Noordstroom / 61.6 BP @ 2.90 metres) for this operation. According to planning, we would execute the rig move and supplying for 30 days. March 20 we arrived at Banana. After customs clearance, inspections and safety briefings we were ready for our new task. During the week the deck was fully loaded with cargo and we started with our first supply-run. After establishing contact with the ‘Kalamu’ (a FPSO & VTS Muanda Oilfield), we received the destination for the cargo. Time had passed and we were currently six months under way. The Noordstroom had already executed three rig moves, while even being the leading Tug / Towing master of the last two moves. Our activities included: Supplying / Backload - Staff Transfer - FW and fuel transfer - Anchor handling - Towing (SPM buoy) - Rig moves - Tanker lifting (at Pointe-Noire).