IRON KESTREL

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First two of six head for Port Hedland

BHP Billiton’s towage operation at Port Hedland, Western Australia has taken delivery of Iron Kestrel and Iron Corella, the first two of a six vessel RAstar class escort tug order. Tugs & Towing’s look beyond Europe for news of international interest takes us to the Port Hedland bulk export terminal which has been making news in the towing world including the recent order for six 32m Damen-built Rotortugs for Pilbara Marine Pty Ltd (see MJ April 2017). The significant investment in the terminal’s towage services is continuing apace with this order for Robert Allan Ltd designed escort tugs. The six-vessel order covers RAstar 85 class tugs built by ASL Shipyards Singapore, custom designed to meet the ‘formidable environmental conditions and demanding operational requirements’ of the world’s busiest bulk commodity port by tonnage. Environmental conditions include: very high air and water temperatures, airborne ore dust, strong currents in a narrow channel and 35 knot winds and 3m significant wave heights. - See more at: http://www.maritimejournal.com/pending-articles/news/first-two-of-six-head-for-port-hedland#sthash.HUWSU8dW.dpuf