The Duke of Normandy is now in Portland in Dorset where the work is being carried out and the Ports of Jersey say there won’t be any tug here on standby while it’s away because it’s too expensive.
The tug has been serving in Jersey’s waters for the last decade and is used a lot on marine service work in the south of England but it now needs a major survey to make sure it’s still fit to operate.
The Ports of Jersey believe now is a good time to do it when the weather and tidal conditions are calmer and the tug is less likely to be needed and say they’ve made provisions in an emergency to call on a tug from the UK that could get here within 24 hours to help move boats around.
The Duke of Normandy helps with the maintenance of the Island’s buoys and beacons and helps vessels that need it coming and going in the Harbour during bad weather. When it’s needed, it also helps Jersey Coastguard with its safety at sea obligations.