East Yorkshire marine firm announces expansion with local solicitors' support

Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP is ‘delighted’ to have advised SMS Towage Limited (“SMS”), a marine firm based in Hessle, East Yorkshire, on its purchase of a 22-metre tugboat from Sanmar Shipyards in Turkey.

The brand new, environmentally friendly TRADESMAN arrived at Hull from Istanbul last month before transferring to the UK flag. She is the latest tug to join the SMS fleet and will manoeuvre boats and supertankers safely into the ports of Hull and Immingham.

Weighing over 190 tonnes, the TRADESMAN is equipped with two Caterpillar 1,500 kw engines capable of pulling super tankers carrying gas or oil, which can weigh as much as 200,000 tonnes. The tugs are also fitted with fire fighting pumps.

Paul Escreet, chairman of SMS Towage, commented: “The Humber estuary is one of the busiest trading areas in Europe, but its powerful tide means there needs to be a substantial fleet of tugs readily available to ensure that vessels are capable of manoeuvring and berthing safely.

“This latest investment in our fleet reflects our aim of providing our customers with more modern and environmentally friendly tugs at the Humber port, whilst complementing the existing fleet to meet our specific operational needs.

“Once again, we are very grateful to Rebecca Forder and Dominic Ward in Andrew Jackson’s shipping team, who remain our trusted advisors for this type of work. We continue to be very happy with their valuable help and advice.”

Dominic Ward, senior partner, and head of Andrew Jackson’s shipping & transport team added: “SMS Towage is the UK’s largest independent marine towage provider and their passion for the industry is evident.

“As a long-standing client of the firm, we are particularly delighted to have assisted them with this latest transaction and to ensure the vessel’s smooth transition into the UK, as the business continues to flourish. “

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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