The coast guard keeps an eye on the sea

Coast guard

Zeetijger, a new buoy-laying vessel for Fleet

A new chapter in the investment plan of the Flemish VLOOT (FLEET)
February 10th, the construction of a new, multifunctional buoy-laying vessel was assigned to the DAMEN –Group (The Netherlands). This multi-purpose vessel forms part of an investment plan for FLEET approved by Kris Peeters, Flemish minister authorised for the ports. Within the Agency for Maritime Services and Coast, which ensures safe and efficient shipping in Flemish waters, FLEET does not only fulfil its role as shipowner, but is also in charge of the management and the maintenance of no less than 264 buoys.



Zeetijger

Beginning 2011, the new vessel, with a length of 30 metres and a breadth of 9.1 metres, will sail from out of the port of Ostend.

Moreover, the ship will be equipped to be able to perform other, very important tasks on the North Sea. On the one hand the vessel will be fit to be mobilized in case of oil spills both at sea and in the ports. This means that Flanders expands its capacity of units available for major incidents from two to three. Nowadays, when such an oil pollution incident occurs, the hydrographic vessel ‘Ter Streep’ and the tug ‘Zeehond’ are deployed, in cooperation with the colleagues of the federal service Environment.

A steel workboat, specifically equipped to support the mother vessel during oil cleaning activities, ensures the necessary autonomy and flexibility.

On the other hand, within FLEET the available fire-extinguishing and towing capacity is being doubled. In addition to the ‘Zeehond’, the ‘Zeetijger' – which is how the vessel will be named- will be ready to use in case of incidents at sea and to offer assistance in the ports of Oostende and Zeebrugge.

By investing approximately 7 million euros in this new multifunctional buoy-laying vessel, the Flemish Government contributes to the further development of safe and efficient shipping towards the Flemish ports. At the same time, this new vessel meets the objectives concerning the development of a broader oil cleaning capacity along the coasts of the member states as laid down by the European Maritime Safety Agency.

contact:
Rita Bertens
Vloot DAB
Sir Winston Churchillkaai 2
8400 Oostende
tel 059 566 311 ? fax 059 566 315
e-mail: vloot@vlaanderen.be
www.welkombijvloot.be