The En-Avant-20: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The tugboat "En Avant 20" successfully docked in Ijmuiden on October 23, carrying the stone-laden barge "Stema Mibau II." Following its arrival, the Dutch tugboat "Thetis" took charge of the tow, allowing "En Avant 20" to make its way to Ymond Port. Both tugboats remain stationed in Ijmuiden, contributing to the busy maritime activities in the area. For a detailed Dutch photo report, visit: http://www.tugspotters.com/site/content/2014/10/en-avant-20-11/

On the evening of October 21, 2014, the tugboat 'En Avant 20' faced a critical situation when it lost control of the Honduras-flagged barge 'Stema Barge II', operated by Splitt Chartering ApS. This incident unfolded approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Den Helder during a fierce storm, with wind forces reaching eight Beaufort. The 135-meter-long barge, laden with 15,000 tons of stone, began to drift dangerously toward two offshore platforms in the North Sea. In response to the distress signal, the Dutch Coastguard deployed the emergency tug 'Ievoli Amaranth'. As the barge continued its perilous path towards Texel, it reached a point only 20 kilometers from the coast by midnight. Meanwhile, Svitzer Salvage and Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen stood by, ready to facilitate a crew transfer, highlighting the urgent nature of the situation. The following morning, on October 22, the 'Ievoli Amaranth' successfully established a connection with the drifting barge, aided by a Coast Guard helicopter. A strategic decision was made to transport the barge to IJmuiden, ensuring the safety of both marine infrastructure and the environment. For ongoing updates, the Dutch Coastguard provided coverage and images via their official Twitter account and additional resources.

On June 28, 2013, Sleepdienst Muller Dordrecht proudly added the ASD tug En Avant 20, formerly known as Claus, to its growing fleet. This robust escort and harbor tugboat, distinguished by its ice-class capabilities, was constructed in 2006 at Lindenau Schiffswerft in Kiel, Germany. The commissioning of En Avant 20 marks a significant enhancement to the company's operational capabilities, allowing them to better serve maritime needs in the region.