SMS latest acquisition ROMAN passing Paull and KG dock for Albert dock 25/10/2020.

ROMAN Ex Alfredo Neri at Port Clarence inset dock on the Tees 06.11.20 and as the ALFREDO NERI at Livorno 02.10.15

Looks like SMS might be starting up on the Tees - ROMAN was joined by NOBLEMAN and YORKSHIREMAN yesterday - the latter is on her way back to the Humber but ROMAN and NOBLEMAN currently working a bulker at Redcar Wharf as I type.

That's a bit of a poke in the eye for Svitzer. Assume they were berthing the YEOMAN BRIDGE.

Svitzer have PHOENIX CROSS, SVITZER REDBRIDGE, SVITZER BRISTOL, FIERY CROSS and ORMESBY CROSS on the River and all appear to have been working. FIERY may indeed have helped out with the YEOMAN BRIDGE.

PHOENIX CROSS, SVITZER REDBRIDGE and FIERY CROSS have just left the birth heading for the car carrier MORNING PROSPERITY.

So possibly sufficient work for all..................

From SMS Facebook account -

SMS Towage are pleased to confirm our expansion into the Teesport and Hartlepool region of the UK. Please do get in touch with any port or coastal towage enquiries you have in the region.

SMS have also announced towage services for the Tyne and Southampton - all Svitzer locations...

Makes you think if a 'third party' has encouraged SMS to make this move to break the Svitzer hold on the Ports mentioned.

I'm sure your right. On Saturday (14th) the Acc Barge ASV PIONEER was towed from Blyth to the Tyne to Dry Dock. NOBLEMAN came up from the Tees on the Friday and berthed alongside the Barge overnight. The YORKSHIREMAN left the Humber on Friday Night and came up to Blyth at full speed all the way to arrive in Blyth at 0730 on Saturday. The barge was towed out at 0830 on Saturday with NOBLEMAN head tug and YORKSHIREMAN stern tug. Once out at sea the YORKSHIREMAN returned to Blyth to lie over until Sunday when she left for the Tees, and then the Humber. NOBLEMAN took the tow to the Tyne where she was assisted by the SVITZER TYNE and SUN to drydock the barge. She then left later in the day to return to the Tees. The job was said to be cheaper than Svitzers price for getting the SUN and TYNE to Blyth. Svitzers have covered all the Barges moves in the past. Taking all into account I cannot see SMS making any money out of the tow, but it does get then noticed.

From SMS Facebook account :

SMS Towage are pleased to announce our long term partnership with Redcar Bulk Terminal to provide towage services at their deep water terminal in Teesport

Patrick, is there a Base for SMS on the Tees? Regards, Ron@2.