Tirrick set to leave port after 33 years

THE LONG serving Sella Ness harbour tug Tirrick completed her last job for Shetland Islands Council this week before leaving for new owners in Greece.

 She was involved in berthing the 248 metre long tanker Solviken at Sullom Voe on Thursday as her time in the isles came to an end.

Tirrick, built by Ferguson brothers at Port Glasgow, has been part of the council’s fleet of tugs for the last 33 years.

She has been replaced with the two year old Dutch Multratug 29, a Damen 3212 class vessel, which is 32 metres long and has a bollard pull of over 70 tonnes.

Port manager John Smith said Tirrick would be leaving Sullom Voe on Monday for Aberdeen where she will be handed over to her new owners. She is due to be renamed the Christos XLI.

“Over 33 years Tirrick has provided outstanding service, safely mooring many tankers under all conditions and helping the smooth running of Sullom Voe.

“We wish her and her new owners every future success and look forward to the replacement vessels being successful for us.”

Smith added that the port needed to “make the same move for the tug Shalder” within a year. The Shalder is also expected to be replaced with a leased tug of proven design and capability.