Océan Taiga joins the fleet

On October 28 Groupe Océan took delivery of the Océan Taiga the second of a pair of 8,000 bhp tugs built by Industrie Océan at Ile-aux-Coudres, QC.

It and sister Océan Tundra completed in  2013, are by far the most powerful conventional tugs in eastern Canada. Exceeding 110 tonnes bollard pull, and with a free running speed of 14 knots, it is also capable of exerting 86 tonnes steering force at 10 knots for tethered escort work. Built with firefighting equipment and an icebreaking bow, the tug will most likely be used for tanker escort work on the St.Lawrence, but could work anywhere in the world.


The TundRA 3600 design by Robert Allen Ltd was conceived for year round high latitude (arctic) work, but the contract evaporated and construction of the Océan Taiga was put on a slow bell, and the tug was only completed this year. The ship's hull was built undercover in the shipyard's building hall then moved to the slipway for completion.

 

The great size of the tug is only apparent when seen next to one of the smaller members of the fleet.

As late as May the shipyard was hard at work with hull painting. After a July re-launch from the slipway, the tug was moved to Océan's Quebec City facility. It underwent trials there in August and final fitting out.

Both sisters are available for charter work.

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