Macduff Shipyards in Scotland handed over the British built, British owned and British registered tug Sally McLoughlin to new owners John McLoughlin and sons of Larne, N.Ireland in October 2009 after carrying out her official trials. The vessel surpassed all expectations and achieved a bollard pull ahead of 23 tonnes (average) and astern of 18 tonnes. A remarkable set of performance figures for a 16m vessel. Her free running speed was an average of 10.3 knots in offshore conditions. Plough dredging trials were also successfully carried out highlighting the versatility of the vessel.
The new tug was delivered with 3 SOLASAFE roller sunscreens installed at the wheelhouse windows to protect personnel from solar glare, heat and uv light on sunny days, thus creating a more comfortable environment in which they can carry out their critical duties.
Solar Solve Chairman, John Lightfoot commented. “Whilst this was only a small order in numbers of screens supplied, it was very significant for us because it came from a British shipbuilder who has successfully retained a foothold in an industry that has been almost wiped out of Great Britain. Further more it was for a British shipowner who has registered the vessel under the British flag, a trio of events so rarely encountered these days.”
He added, “Macduff Shipyards design and build an impressive range of vessels that are versatile and competitive and we naturally wish them continued success in what will be uncertain times for the next two years or so.”
