International offshore giant pays visit to North Shields

The deep-water heavy lift vessel, Aegir is set to undertake various heavy lifting operations at the Port of Tyne’s Northumbrian Quay in North Shields.

The 4,000 ton heavy lift capacity vessel operated by Netherlands-based Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC), will be in the river for around two weeks.

During this time, many wind turbine jackets will be transported down river from Wallsend-based Smulders Projects UK.

The jackets which measure between 68-81 metres high and weigh 1,300 tons have been constructed by Belgian owned Smulders UK as part of the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre off Aberdeen, Scotland.

The complex marine operation was expected to commence today (May 1) with the wind turbine jackets being towed from Wallsend on a barge to the deep-water berth at the Port of Tyne.

During the lifting operations, the Port of Tyne will enforce a slow speed passing limitation for other vessels - as the 211 metre long and 46 metre wide Aegir will encroach into the river channel.

Steven Clapperton, Port of Tyne Harbour’s master and director of health and safety, environment and marine, said: “These are complex marine activities, using this substantial vessel of around 50,000 gross tonnes, which can be seen for miles around.

“The size of the ship, with its 4,000 tons revolving heavy lift crane, and the complexity of the operation make the Port of Tyne’s Northumbrian Quay ideally placed to handle this work, due to its deep-water and close proximity to open sea.”

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