Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Carla-Baruzzi

The tugboat "Bonxie" has returned to the Shetland Isles, alongside the "Solan," to undergo essential sea trials at Sullom Voe harbor. After an investment of £7 million by the local council three years ago, both vessels are now being tested in preparation for operational duties. Initially, on May 16, 2014, the tugs were engaged in trials with a tanker in the harbor, marking an important step following extensive modifications. The pair underwent significant upgrades during the summer of 2013, including the installation of new fins on their hulls to enhance stability. This was a necessary improvement after the "Solan" suffered a collision with the tanker "Loch Rannoch" in December 2011, an incident that led to crews refusing to board the tugs. Subsequent modifications were also made to the complex operating consoles, further delaying the tugs' reintroduction into service until mid-2014. However, the Shetland Islands Council (SIC) has expressed ongoing concerns regarding the operational costs of these Spanish-built tugs, particularly given their large engine sizes and the associated fuel expenses. As a response, the SIC is currently exploring options to sell the tugs and potentially revert to a smaller fleet of four tugs for port operations. While the decision to sell has not yet been finalized, discussions are underway with the oil industry to assess their stance on transitioning back to a four-tug operation.

On December 21, 2011, the tugboat 'Bonxie' was put out of commission after an alarming incident involving its sister vessel, the 'Solan', which collided with the tanker 'Loch Rannoch' in Sullom Voe, close to the oil terminal in the Shetland Islands. The 'Solan', valued at £7 million and operated by the local council, was maneuvering the empty Schiehallion oilfield shuttle tanker away from Jetty 4 when it abruptly lost control and propulsion. As fate would have it, the 'Loch Rannoch', traveling at approximately five knots, subsequently struck the 'Solan', causing it to slide along the length of the tanker while still tethered by a rope. Fortunately, the tug managed to regain control once its systems rebooted, and the 'Loch Rannoch' was able to decelerate quickly, minimizing the damage caused. Remarkably, the impact sustained by the 'Solan' was minor thanks to its rubber fenders, and all four crew members aboard were unharmed. Investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the power failure that led to this dangerous situation. In light of the incident, the 'Solan' has been removed from service at Sullom Voe while the underlying issue is examined. The 'Bonxie', also impacted by this event, has been temporarily docked at the pier in Sella Ness. Compounding these difficulties, the local council had already planned modifications to both vessels due to ongoing reliability problems since their introduction nearly a year ago. Officials expressed concerns that had the power loss occurred just moments earlier, when the 'Solan' was positioned further ahead of the tanker, the collision's momentum could have resulted in far greater consequences.