Two tugs stationed at UK Shetland’s oil port of Sullom Voe claimed to be two of the most powerful harbor tugs in the world with a bollard pull of 90 tones, have been taken out of service.
 
It has been confirmed that the shuttle tanker ‘Loch Rannoch’, which delivers oil to the port from the BP operated Schiehallion oil field west of Shetland, collided with the tug ‘Solan’.
 
The ‘Solan’ is one of two £7 mill new Spanish-built tugs delivered to the port in February last year.
 
The incident took place after the ballasted ‘Loch Rannoch’ left the jetty to return to the oil field.
 
‘Solan’ was close by the 128,700 dwt tanker and with a rope attached suddenly lost both power and control. The tanker moving at about five knots struck the tug on the stern after what the power surprisingly returned to the tug and she returned to her berth.
 
The investigation is being conducted however there is no indication of a mechanical failure on the tugs.
 
Both the ‘Solan’ and her sister tug ‘Bonxie’ were due to be taken to a shipyard early this year to have their hulls modified so as to resolve some of the handling problems.