Tugboat Shortage Challenges Nation’s Maritime Strength
Portugal is facing significant challenges regarding its maritime strength due to a shortage of tugboats. This issue poses concerns for the safety and efficiency of navigation within its waters, particularly in comparison to neighboring Spain, which maintains a robust fleet of emergency rescue tugboats.
Tugboat Shortage Overview
Paulo Mariano, vice-president of the Figueira da Foz port community, highlighted the alarming lack of rescue tugboats in Portugal. He noted that thousands of merchant ships, estimated at over 4,000 annually, navigate Portuguese waters. This volume underscores the necessity for a reliable maritime rescue service.
Need for Government Involvement
Mariano emphasized that Portugal, with its rich maritime history, should establish state-owned rescue tugboats. He pointed out that Spain has a dedicated company operating four offshore tugboats specifically for rescue missions. “Portugal would benefit substantially from having one or two such vessels,” he stated.
Recent Incident Highlights Tugboat Necessity
The situation was brought to the forefront following an incident involving the cargo ship Eikborg, which lost steering capability and drifted off the coast near Figueira da Foz. This incident raises serious questions regarding maritime safety in the absence of state-supported rescue operations.
Royal Wagenborg, the owner of the distressed vessel, operates a fleet of 160 ships and employs around 3,000 staff. The lack of effective maritime support may deter major European shipowners from navigating Portugal’s waters.
Private Tugboat Services in Action
On Tuesday, after exhausting options with private tugboat operators in Portugal, the ship’s owner turned to a Norwegian tugboat, the Skandi Lifter. The cost for this service is around €350,000 per day. This vessel is expected to reach the Eikborg within 40 to 50 kilometers off the coast of Figueira da Foz.
Specifications of Skandi Lifter
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 90 meters |
| Width | 23 meters |
| Capacity | Up to 70 people |
| Construction Year | 2009 |
Challenges Ahead for Tugboat Operation
The operation to assist the Eikborg is predicted to be complicated due to wave heights between six and seven meters. The cargo ship’s limited maneuverability, as it moves in reverse at about two kilometers per hour, further complicates the rescue effort. The final destination for the Eikborg is likely to be a Spanish port, potentially in Vigo Bay, depending on the maritime conditions in the coming days.
Efforts to address the shortage of rescue tugboats in Portugal are critical to enhancing the nation’s maritime resilience and safety. Without state support and proper infrastructure, Portugal risks further vulnerabilities in its maritime sector.
