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3 Februari 2010 Kotug’s senior captain is awarded with “Sleepanker”
Cees Aalbers, senior captain at Kotug International B.V., was awarded the “Sleepanker” on February 1st 2010 at Kotug’s head office in Rotterdam, during the celebration of his 50th anniversary as an employee of the tugboat company. The award was presented to him by André Toet, C.O.O. at the Port of Rotterdam Authority. André Toet was accompanied by the upcoming new harbour master, René de Vries, who presented Cees with a plaque of the Rotterdam harbour.
The “Sleepanker” is an award from the Rotterdam Port Authority, to honour a person who has made a remarkable contribution to the Port of Rotterdam for quite a long time. It has only been awarded a few times over the last couple of years. Captain Cees Aalbers received this award for 50 years of hard work. Starting at age 14 as a sailor, he worked his way up to captain and senior captain. During these years, Cees has contributed to the Port by participating in many research programmes, for example about the 2nd Maasvlakte, the possible broadening of the Waalharbour and about the Euromax Terminal. Furthermore, he has educated countless port professionals and was part of the development of the patented Rotortug.
Kotug also honoured Cees because of his contribution over the last 50 years. They value him for being an excellent tug captain, who has contributed to the company’s expansion in Germany and France. Cees is also very involved in the social aspects of the company and is still actively involved, both as a tug captain and advisor on nautical issues.
Photo: from left to right
René de Vries (upcoming new harbour master), Captain Cees Aalbers, his partner Jannie Brink and Andr´ Toet, C.O.O. at the port of Rotterdam Authority.
28 October 2009 Kotug wins Fuel Saving Competition
The ‘’BINNENVAART BRANDSTOF CO2MPETITIE’’, a Fuel Saving Competion for the Inland Shipping Industry, has been won by Kotug International B.V. With a group of 4 participating tugs, Kotug managed to save no less than 12% fuel over 6 months time.
This was achieved by creating fuel awareness with the captains (for example by using fuel meters that immediately show the extra gasoil usage when the tug accelerates) and a better planning of and communication to the tugs.
Environmental friendly
The fuel saving competition is part of a bigger plan to save energy by using the tugs (and other ships) in a more efficient way. Besides the obvious financial benefit, it’s especially friendly for the environment.
For Kotug, winning this price is the next proof of effectiveness of her ‘’green’’ policy.
Besides ISO and ISM certification, environmental awareness is key in Kotug’s Corporate Values. Already in 2007, Kotug made a first significant step towards saving the environment. Kotug then switched to suphur-free (EN 590) bunker fuels, the result of a collaboration with Argos Oil. Kotug was the first services-company in the Rotterdam region to use this environmental friendly fuel-type.
As a second step Kotug now has been able to reduce the exhaust gas emissions. Winning this price will encourage Kotug to continue trying to minimize any damage to the environment.
26 October 2009 RT Rob christened at Bremerhaven
The latest addition to the Kotug fleet was christened August 25th at Bremerhaven, Germany. She was christened by Mrs Jeanneke Lubbers, wife of Rob Lubbers. Mr Lubbers is also the name giver of the tug, this in recognition of his support to Kotug during 1987 through 1995.
The design of the RT Rob series is the innovative result of the close collaboration between designer KST BV in Rotterdam and operator Kotug International. The RT Rob is the first delivery to Kotug of a fleet extension and replacement program that will continue until midst 2012.
Having a bollard pull of over 85 tons over the stern as well as over the bow, a length of 32 meters and moulded beam of 12 meter, the tug represents a new generation of Rotor®tugs designed for harbour and coastal towage.
2 October 2009 Innovative Kotug makes the “connection “again
Tugboat company Kotug with head office in Rotterdam, has recently patented its own developed towing ring.
This simple, but efficient ring has proven to be the best solution to connect a polyester towline with a dyneema forerunner.
With the input of their Captains, Superintendents and KST (Kooren Shipbuilding and Trading) the ring is developed as an all round ring which is performing to meet all towage needs.
The environmental friendly ring is light ,simple and endless re-usable.
Due to the all round edges the ring creates a very favorable bending radius increasing the lifetime of the wires seriously. The ring also creates the possibility to introduce a weak link in the towline configuration. This is something that the so called “cow hitch” could never achieve.
With this ring Kotug shows again their creative ability to come up with solutions to make their equipment even more efficient.