Helen McCormick sustained CJC’s special focus on workboats in May by attending the 27th International Tug and Salvage Convention in Dubai.

In common with other vessel types, tugs are experiencing unusual levels of public attention - whether due to near-port emissions or for their role in high profile news events such as the Ever Given. Helen highlighted presentations from Andrew Brown (Smit Lamnalco) on the path to zero emissions towage, Peter van de Graaf (Lloyd’s Register) on the use of hydrogen as a tug fuel, Anna Maria Darmanin (European Tugowners Association) on the importance of behavioural change in  reducing emissions, and Richard Janssen (Smit Salvage) on the salvage of the Ever Given as deserving particular attention.

Running since 1969, the biennial conference and exhibition continues from strength to strength, this year attracting around 9,000 delegates and over 1,200 exhibitors.

For Helen, the three-day conference ended with a trip to the Damen Albwardy shipyard in Sharjah, for a chance to join other delegates in an inspection of the tugs and a tour of the shipyard, as well as enjoy a reception hosted by Damen. She sends special thanks to yard employees and to the crew of the tug Jawar Baghdad. Thanks too, to Med Marine for hosting the VIP Party at VOCO Dubai and to Uzmar for sponsoring the gala dinner and ITS awards. And congratulations to the winners!