End of an era for the OIC tug Einar

Orkney Islands Council’s Harbour Authority bid a fond farewell to the tug Einar at the weekend (13 March) after 33 years’ service.

She has been sold to a company in Tromsø, Norway and the transfer of ownership will take place in Aberdeen.

The Einar’s sister ship, Erlend, is also on the market and expressions of interest have been made.

The Harald will remain in service, alongside the two new tugs, Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa, until such time as the third new tug – Vale of Scapa – has been built and handed over. The consultancy services to oversee the design and build to work of the third tug has been awarded to local company Orcades Marine Management Consultants Ltd and it is hoped that invitations to tender to build the vessel will be issued soon.

Orkney’s Head of Marine Services, Transportation and Harbour Master, Jim Buck said: “Einar was built at Bromborough in 1989 and has served Orkney well and safely for more than three decades. Given the ageing fleet of tugs, the scale and variety of work required in Scapa Flow and provision of a 24-hour, year-round towage service, it was necessary for investment in new, more modern and energy efficient tugs.

“The 32m Odin of Scapa and Thor of Scapa joined the fleet in 2020 and have a bollard pull of 78t and are equipped with fire-fighting monitors and can also be used for counter pollution duties. They were built at Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards after a competitive tendering exercise - costing £6.1 million each.

“A third modern tug will ensure that we are able to move with the times and offer what we firmly believe is a first-class service to our clients.”

Mr Buck added: “We wish a safe onward passage to the Einar and her crews.”