Wärtsilä Underwater Services, a global leader in marine technology and services, has entered into a strategic partnership with Megatugs, a renowned Greek maritime services provider, to strengthen and expand underwater solutions for the global shipping industry. This collaboration will enhance efficiency, sustainability, and operational reliability for vessel operators worldwide.

The partnership between Wärtsilä Underwater Services team and Megatugs will combine expertise, resources, and cutting-edge technology to provide high-quality underwater maintenance and repair solutions. With a focus on minimizing downtime and reducing costs for shipowners and operators, the joint effort aims to set new industry standards below the waterline. From propulsion systems to rudders, hull- and scrubber system inspections and maintenance up to full size salvage and emergency repairs, our partnership covers full year, 24X7 support.

A Synergistic Approach to Marine Maintenance

By leveraging Wärtsilä’s extensive knowledge in shaft line and propulsion systems alongside Megatugs’ expertise in underwater services and salvage operations, this partnership will offer a more comprehensive and proactive approach to vessel maintenance. Key benefits include:

• Enhanced operational efficiency: Faster and more effective underwater maintenance, reducing vessel downtime.
• Sustainable solutions: Eco-friendly underwater cleaning and repair methods aligned with environmental regulations.
• Global coverage: Expanded service reach, ensuring rapid response times in critical locations.
• Innovative marine technology: Utilization of advanced tools and methodologies for precise underwater diagnostics and repairs.

Statements from Leadership

“Customer service is at the heart of everything we do. By joining forces with Megatugs, we’re enhancing our ability to respond swiftly to emergencies and support our clients wherever they operate” said William Winters at Managing Director at Wärtsilä Underwater Services.

“This partnership redefines underwater services, setting a new industry benchmark and ensuring seamless global support for shipowners and operators. Together, we’re delivering smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions to keep vessels moving and businesses thriving,” said Paul Xiradakis, Director of Megatugs.

About Wärtsilä Underwater Services

Wärtsilä Underwater Services as a part of Shaft Line Solutions is a global leader in providing cutting-edge underwater maintenance, repair, and inspection solutions for the maritime industry. With a strong focus on sustainability and operational efficiency, Wärtsilä ensures optimized vessel performance while minimizing environmental impact. For more information, visit Wärtsilä Underwater Services.

About Megatugs

Megatugs is a premier provider of maritime services specializing in towing, salvage, and underwater operations. With decades of expertise, the company ensures safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions for the global shipping industry. For more details, visit Megatugs.

NEMECA Z Towage & Salvage increased her presence “off port limits” by successfully accomplishing a series of operations offshore during July/Aug 2024.
At the same time NEMECA Z maintained her leading role at main ports of Piraeus, Thessaloniki & Kavala, while Corfu Island port operations were added to the wide portfolio of NEMECA Z by mobilizing a high performing ASD tug, fully compliant with the new domestic regulations, classed under IACS with the most demanding class notation/s such as unrestricted navigation, FiFi 1, water spray, escort, oil rec via her main JV/partners.
Analytically:

AHT DIONYSIOS Z:

• AHT Dionysios Z, 65 tBP, Hellenic Flag, IACS class departed ex her home base in Piraeus on 07th July 2024 towards Port Said, Anchorage, for the single & unrestricted towage of a Sandcarrier to destination port Rijeka, Croatia. Upon arrival at the rendezvous point, towing connection established, CoA issued by a Recognized MWS, and towage commenced to destination. Towed unit was successfully and safely delivered to her owners on 20th July 2024 morning hours at Rijeka, Croatia Roads following a ten days towage operation under high performance and safety levels.
• Immediately after, AHT Dionysios Z proceeded to Piombino, Italy via Preveza, Greece port call for bunkers/provisions re-supply. Dionysios Z established connection with the two (2) tows consisted of a 75 mtrs Sheerleg and a 90 meters LOA flat top barge by means of her two (2) main towing wire ropes and departed to destination Aliaga, Turkey Roads. Dionysios Z and her tows arrived at destination on 21st August 2024, where the safe deliveries and collection of tge took place at the same day giving a happy end of a challenging operation which included straits transit with two tows, heavy traffic and challenging environmental conditions throughout the voyage.
• On 24th August 2024, AHT Dionysios Z participated into a spot Floating Crane transportation prior returning to her port & fifi duties at the Wider Piraeus ports and installations.

ASD IRAKLIS Z:

• Following the successful towage and handover of a 190 mtrs Floating Dock, Iraklis Z awarded a significant contract in relation to Torro Rosso casualty. Since 15th June 2024, ASD Iraklis Z, engaged with a sensitive and demanding salvage operation of the MV Torro Rosso as the main (towing) tug offering a wide array of services to the salvage team and loose attendee authorities including but not limited to towage, stand by, logistics, escort services on account of owners/managers/salvors/MWS/attendee class and authorities and loose stakeholders.
  After 74 days on hire, MV Torro Rosso was safely delivered at her destination (Aliaga Turkey) giving a successful end to the overall project. It shall be stressed out that last leg of the project highlighted by an impressive, performed towage operations of the 91,384 MT// LOA/BEAM : 249.91 M / 43.00 M / LBP: 240 M / DEPTH MOULDED : 18.7 M // INT’L TONNAGE : 55,300 GT / 25,498 NT // HOLD CAPACITY TTL 3,955,438.00 CFT and always within the recommendations imposed of the issued CoA for the voyage.
  Iraklis Z is presently enroute for her forthcoming offshore engagement on acct of a first-class charterers.

Nevertheless, NEMECA Z has been assigned with several International Ocean Towage Agreements on acct of first-class clients with her fleet units ASD Iraklis Z, AHT Dionysios Z & Agonistis Z which are due to take place during the upcoming month/s.

Following the successful and safe hand-over of NB FD OPL, Mirina Port earlier this month by our ASD IRAKLIS Z and Tractor Tug Ellada Z, NEMECA Z found herself actively involved with a series of demanding and illustrating tasks both locally and abroad as follows:

• Fully Laden M/V TBA grounded off Kavala port on 16th June 2024. The grounded vessel has departed earlier the same day ex Philippos B’port in Kavala with a full cargo of fertilizers in big bags, whereas for unknown reasons get aground on the way to her next destination in a very shallow area.
  In this respect, ANIMA Z was immediately mobilized from her station in Kavala port and attended the casualty following an agreement between vessels’ owners. A 200 meters kapaneema rope was connected to the casualty by means of Anima Z and attendee divers shallow drafted utility vessel.
  No trace of pollution and/or cargo escape was sought. The hull of the vessel confirmed to be sound by the attendee diving team, which mobilized as well as to assist the operations on site.
  After several attempts the vessel was successfully refloated on early morning hours on the 17th June 2024 and she safely re-delivered to her owners on the same day at kavala port under the complete satisfaction of all involved parties.
• On 15th June 2024, ASD Iraklis Z, departed ex Piraeus base to attend a casualty at WAC region. Iraklis Z safely arrived on 24th June 2024 at the casualty, whereas she is actively involved as the main towing tug offering a series of services to the salvage team and loose attendee authorities including but not limited to towage, st by, logistics, escort services. Project is ongoing and is expected to be completed within July / 2024.
• T/B Agonistis Z departed on 22nd June 2024 late afternoon hours towards Bozcaada anchorage in Turkey ex her base at Piraeus Greece, in order to assist and connect an immobilized fully laden M/V under harsh environmental conditions in the enire Aegean Sea. Towing connection was established on Monday 24th June 2024 and the immobilized vessel was safely towed up to her next destination, which was safely redelivered to her owners on the 26th June 2024.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE – SALVAGE – ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SERVICES AND LIFTING OPERATION UDERTAKEN BY MEGATUGS

On May 3, 2024, the 30–meter Cantieri Navali Rizzardi motor yacht “WHY” found itself grounded on a beach and collided with a pier in Spetses island, Greece, amidst strong winds. This unfortunate event led to a breach in the yacht’s hull, causing water ingress.

Megatugs Salvage & Towage swiftly responded by mobilizing the AHTS Oil Recovery Vessel PANTANASSA, equipped with a RIB and manned by emergency response, salvage, antipollution experts, and diving personnel. Their mission: to provide salvage assistance to the distressed yacht and implement necessary environmental protection measures.

Upon assessment by divers, further assistance arrived on May 5, 2024, in the form of the AHTS Oil Recovery Vessel PLATYTERA, accompanied by the F/C CLARE. Utilizing a floating crane, refloating, and lifting operations commenced promptly, successfully hoisting the yacht onto the deck of the crane barge the same day.

Throughout the operation, stringent antipollution measures were enacted, including the deployment of oil booms and various absorbent materials to mitigate environmental impact.

With all parties satisfied with the outcome, salvage and Oil Spill Response (OSR) services concluded on May 6, 2024. The yacht was safely delivered to repair facilities at the shipyards in Perama for dry docking. Throughout the entire operation, the safety of the yacht and the protection of the local marine environment remained paramount, especially considering the influx of tourists during the Easter break on this picturesque Greek island.

PHOTO COLLECTION

In line with the Company’s commitment to provide high quality towage, salvage, and open sea services, NEMECA Z welcomes a newbuilding tugboat in the port of Piraeus. Elevate your maritime operations with the latest addition to NEMECA Z Maritime Company’s fleet ‑the impressive tugboat “DIAS Z”! This top-of-the-line vessel was recently acquired from the renowned MEDMARINE SHIPYARD in TURKEY, ensuring quality and reliability in operations.

We are thrilled to introduce the “DIAS Z”! tugboat, a high-spec ASD model that boasts a remarkable 75 tons bollard pull capacity, making it a powerhouse in the water. Designed by Robert Allan with an advanced propulsion system that enables unparalleled maneuverability and efficiency, and MTU engines, the 25-meter tugboat allows for seamless operations in even the most challenging conditions. Additionally, with a fire-fighting notation 1, this tugboat prioritizes safety and protection, providing peace of mind during critical operations.

Experience the efficiency and performance of the “DIAS Z”! tugboat for all your towing and assistance needs. With its advanced capabilities and cutting-edge features, this vessel is designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern maritime industries. Trust in the “DIAS Z” to deliver superior performance and exceptional service in harbors and on the open seas.

Join us in welcoming the “DIAS Z”! to NEMECA Z’s fleet, as we continue to raise the bar in maritime excellence and innovation.

Med Marine, a leading provider of top-tier tugboats, is thrilled to announce the successful completion and delivery of yet another vessel to esteemed client Nemeca Z. The vessel named as “DIAS Z”! by her owner, voyaged through the Bosphorus on Friday 22nd and arrived at port of Piraeus, Athens on the 25th of March.

This state-of-the-art tugboat is designed and constructed as a multi-purpose harbour tug of 25 meters, delivering a remarkable 75 tons of bollard pull and is equipped to meet Class FIFI‑I requirements. The RAmparts 2500W series of tug is intended to work off a forward winch for ship handling, towing, pushing, mooring, firefighting facilities and also equipped with an aft towing hook.

Tug “DIAS Z”!, endowed with all the necessary technical specifications needed for harbour, coastal and escort towages; shall take the fleet capacity combined with the highest crew skill base of Nemeca Z to another level ensuring a safe, continuous, all encompassing and the highest service quality to its customers.

Melis Üçüncü, Med Marine’s Business Development Director, stated: “The flawless delivery of DIAS Z, once again underlines our unwavering commitment to providing our clients with reliable and innovative maritime solutions. We are delighted to have Nemeca Z as our esteemed client. Our shipyard is constantly being improved with advanced production standards and Med Marine stands as a credible partner within the shipbuilding industry globally.”

Technical specifications of the tugboat:

Length: 25,20 m

Breadth: 12,00 m

Depth: 4,60 m

Draft: 5,75 m

Crew: 7 person

Bollard Pull: 75 tons

Speed: 11 knots

On 1 March 2024, the Motor Vessel “SHOVELER” (GT 19,814 – DWT 30,928), laden with 28,600 tonnes of wheat in bulk, caught fire in the engine room, approx. 55 miles SW of port of Ponce, Puerto Rico. The vessel was en route from Montreal, Canada to Puerto Cabello, Venezuela.

Οn 2 March, Tsavliris mobilised the Fifi tug “PLIS FOS” (BP 85 – BHP 6,772) from Fort de France, Martinique. Towage to Curacao commenced on 4 March arriving at destination, in adverse weather conditions, on 8 March. With the assistance of two port tugs, namely the “LIMA II” (BP 60) and “MANTA” (BP 65), the vessel moored safely at Caracas Bay and the operation was successfully completed.

On 7 December 2023, the Bulk Carrier “GAZIBEY” (GT 12,192 — DWT 17,786), laden with 9,900 tonnes of Fertilizer (Potassium Chloride Granule), suffered main engine failure and drifted approx. 60 miles off Falmouth, UK. During the incident the vessel was en route from Ust-Luga, Russia to Bayonne, France.

Tsavliris despatched the AHTS “ALP STRIKER” (BP 312 — BHP 24,400), arriving at the casualty on 8 December and towage commenced in adverse weather conditions to a sheltered area with the permission of the UK Coastguard. On 9 December, the convoy arrived at Falmouth Bay and remained in the sheltered area under towage connection.

On 11 December, during the vessel’s stay at the sheltered area, the engine problem was rectified and on 14 December, sea trials were performed with the salvage tug escorting. On 15 December, when the weather conditions abated, towage commenced to Bayonne, France. After inspections and adjustments on the engine, the vessel proceeded under her own power, escorted by the “ALP STRIKER’’.

On 17 December, the vessel arrived at Bayonne anchorage, escorted by the tug which provided standby services due to prevailing strong winds.

On 18 December, the “GAZIBEY” departed her anchorage with pilot attendance to Bayonne port and upon berthing, the operation was successfully completed.

On 13 January 2023, the Bulk Carrier “MV ADASTRA” (GT 25,554 – DWT 46,493), laden with Agribulk, experienced main engine problems and was drifting off Yemen. The vessel was en route from Riga, Latvia, to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

On 14 January, Tsavliris despatched the AHTS “HERCULES” (BHP 5,150 – BP 67) from her salvage station at Berbera, Somalia, arriving at the casualty’s position on 16 January when towage to Oman commenced.

On 25 January the convoy arrived safely at Duqm anchorage, Oman, and the vessel was berthed safely with the assistance of port tugs. On the same day the operation was successfully completed.

On 25 January 2023, the Bulk Carrier “MV ABILITY” (GT 36,757 – DWT 64,253), laden with 55,000 tonnes of wheat, was immobilised due to fuel (sub-zero temp) solidification, 350 nautical miles NE of Kuril Islands, Japan in the North Pacific Ocean.

The vessel was performing a voyage from Vancouver, Canada to East Afica (three intended discharge ports: Nacala, Mozambique, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and Mombasa, Kenya).

The Japanese Tug “AKATSUKI” (BHP 10,400 – BP 150) was hired by Owners but was unable to reach the immobilised vessel due to technical problems and heavy weather conditions. Tug “AKATSUKI” took shelter to rectify technical issues and wait for improved weather.

On 30 January, Tsavliris were contracted to provide salvage assistance and despatched the tug “LIAN HE QI RUI” (BHP 23,500 – BP 250) from Shanghai, China.

On 11 February, under severe/adverse sea conditions (8m waves) tug “LIAN HE QI RUI” established tow connection and towage commenced towards Tokyo, Japan.

On 22 February, the convoy arrived safely at YOKOHAMA anchorage, Japan, and was handed over to five port tugs to anchor at Yokohama anchorage. Tug “LIAN HE QI RUI” provided stand-by services until 25 February when the operation was successfully completed.

On 3 September 2022, the Motor Yacht “007” struck rocks off Kythnos Island, Greece, and was beached at nearby picturesque Kolones Bay. The yacht was aground, laying semi-sunk on her port side with a list of approximately 80 degrees. The starboard side shell plating had several cracks and the bulbous bow was severely deformed/fractured. All the yacht’s internal spaces were flooded.

On the same day of the accident, Tsavliris Salvage and Environmental Pollution Engineering (EPE) proceeded to the assistance of the casualty. The OSV “AEGIS I” (BHP 2,000 – BP 25), operated by EPE, was mobilised for antipollution services. Bunkers on board the yacht were removed and all necessary precautions were taken to prevent marine pollution.

Tsavliris mobilised immediately a Salvage and a Diving Team for inspections. The Owner’s Master was assisted in the removal of valuable items from cabins including expensive jewelry.

Wreck removal tender was arranged by the Owner’s/P&I club and in February 2023 the task was awarded to Tsavliris / EPE.

On 1 March 2023, Tsavliris Salvage Team, Antipollution Team and Divers from “Thalassa Diving” company arrived at the casualty’s position and on 2 March, EPE’s antipollution tug “AEGIS I” arrived, carrying various salvage equipment. Two floating cranes were arranged for the operation with the assistance of two tugs: floating crane “KOMNINOS” (110T lifting capacity) was towed from Heraklion, Crete, by the T/B “MICHALIS S” (BHP 1,000 – BP 20) and floating crane “BT1” (120T lifting capacity) was towed from Skala, Katerini, by Tsavliris’ S/T “HERMES” (BHP 2,725 – BP 43), arriving at Kolones Bay, Kythnos, on 6 March and 12 March respectively.

The hull was made watertight by closing all openings and patching/sealing all cracks. The damaged section of the bulbous bow was cropped and a plate was welded for watertightness.

Lifting air balloons were fitted on yacht’s port side for additional buoyancy.

When the watertightness was verified, the cranes were positioned on the yacht’s port side, forward and aft and the yacht’s parbuckling step-by-step operation commenced by lifting with both cranes and simultaneously de-watering.

Following all safety protocols, the yacht was refloated and turned to upright position. List was corrected by moving weights internally.

Preservation of the main engines and diesel generators was carried out by Tsavliris specialist team. The oily bildge water was pumped out into the OSV “AEGIS I” tanks.

On 15 March, the yacht was successfully refloated.

The divers removed all debris from the seabed and cleaned the coast line to the satisfaction of Port Authorities.

The floating cranes demobilised and were towed back to their stations by two tugs, the S/T “HERMES” and the S/T “AGONISTIS” (BHP 2,400 – BP 35) respectively. The OSV “AEGIS I” demobilised back to its base in Piraeus.

On 24 March, Syros/Kythnos Port Authority granted sailing permission to M/Y “007” and T/B “MICHALIS S” commenced towage to Bodrum, Turkey, arriving safely at destination on 27 March. The entire operation was completed successfully on the same day.