Loss of Faithful could spell 'big trouble'

FRIDAY, NOV. 2: The government tug boat Faithful has been out of action for over six weeks, the Bermuda Sun can reveal.

And she will not be back in service for another three to four weeks as she awaits replacement parts.

At present Government says its two other tug boats, Powerful and the Edward M Stowe, can service ships arriving in Bermuda ‘adequately’.

But shipping sources told the Sun having just two working tugs was like ‘playing with fire’ because if one of the two working tugs was to break down arriving tankers and car carriers would be unable to dock in Bermuda.

The warning comes just weeks since the tanker Butterfly was forced to wait offshore at Murray’s Anchorage for several days because Faithful and Edward M Stowe were both out of action.

One source said: “We have not had a problem since Butterfly and so right now we are okay.

“But if one of the remaining two tugs was to break down we would have big trouble

“We are playing with fire.”

All fuel tankers that come into the oil docks in St George’s require two tugs to be on standby when they come alongside, as do the car carriers that come into Hamilton.

A spokesperson for Marine and Ports said: “The repairs required relate to replacement of damaged piston heads in one of the Faithful’s engines.

“There are three to four weeks remaining until the replacement parts (presently on order) arrive in Bermuda. Installation will take a few days after the parts arrive.

“Ships requiring the service of two tugs can be adequately serviced by the Powerful and Edward M. Stowe.

The spokesman added: “The tug Faithful is over 20 years old and has maintained continuous Certificates of Class issued by Lloyd’s Register. “Faithful is in very good condition and continues to provide service beyond the 20-year capital expansion life span.

“Despite the odd occasion the service provided by Faithful has been excellent.

“Further, it is common practice to have one tug out of service for extended periods particularly when a vessel is undergoing periodic class surveys of the main propulsion unit or dry-docking surveys. “However, the Department of Marine and Ports schedules these surveys during the off season that runs from late October through mid April.”