P&O Maritime Logistics inaugurates Kalypso tugboat (pics)

The official inauguration of P&O’s Kalypso Tugboat took place at the port of Limassol on 6 October, in the presence of Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades and Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis.

“After over six years of successfully managing all Marine Services at the port of Limassol, P&O Maritime Cyprus Ltd. announces further investments at the port, with the purchase of a new state-of-the-art, internationally designed compact and powerful tugboat, the ‘P&O Kalypso, furthering the Company’s commitment to ‘Operational Excellence’ and ‘Environmental Responsibility’", the company said.

This revolutionary vessel marks a new chapter in the Company's commitment to continually innovate, respect the environment, as well as improve efficiency and safety in their port marine operations, it said.

In statements, Martin Helweg, Chief Executive Officer at P&O Maritime Logistics, said: “The P&O Kalypso marks the latest addition to our global fleet of 400 world-class vessels, greatly enhancing our maritime capabilities. The investment further reiterates our commitment to the Cypriot market and marks another milestone in our strategic expansion plans."

The tug "P&O Kalypso" was built in 2023, having a perfect synergy of cutting-edge technology and innovative design according to the highest requirements and the latest marine engineering technology.

The technical characteristics of the boat are the following:

• Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) – 60 tBP (ton Bollard Pull).
• Horsepower 4,988 bhp / 3,730 kW.
• Fire Fighting Capabilities class - advanced fire extinguishing system - FiFi1 with water spray, (2400m3 of water/hour) using foam for petroleum products.

The addition of the 'P&O Kalypso' to the fleet of P&O Maritime Cyprus Ltd at the port of Limassol, dramatically increases the operational capabilities of the port, in terms of providing safe towage service for larger ships, with increased pulling power and high manoeuvrability, whilst at the same time drastically upgrading firefighting capabilities at the port, the company said.

Environmental sustainability is a core value embraced by P&O Maritime Cyprus Ltd. The “P&O Kalypso” has been built with environmentally friendly technical features, reducing the carbon footprint.

The tug is registered in the Cyprus Registry and is manned by both Cypriot and Greek crew, offering a high level of equipment and amenities to the crew.

The purpose of the Company and its staff is to provide high-level integrated Port-Marine Services, such as Pilotage & Navigation, Towing, Mooring of ships, management of Maritime Aids as well as "Emergency Response", in cases of Firefighting and Pollution Control.

The company employs 56 well-trained crew and personnel, having a fleet of 4 tugs, 2 pilot boats, as well as special equipment for emergency and Tier I oil spill response.