"Thank you Team for using your remarkable talents and skills to fuel our mutual efforts."
A look at the history of PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd , our present journey with all its highs and lows and our bright promise of an amazing future
The inaugural SPOTLIGHT feature introduces of PORT ENGINEER, Abdul Brown We shine the spotlight on Mr Brown's journey to PORTSIDE TOWING and his impressive career
From the Desk of the General Manager. A hard look at the chain. We see ourselves as links in the chain and look at the strength of these links. The Weakest link determines the strength of the chain. Let's have a frank and honest look.
The critical nature of Emergency Communication determines the recovery path to success. EMERGCOM is the right way to go as the fixes are critical to the rapid turn around of any non-normal situation.
PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd. was established in 1992 by a group of Marine Pilots. The idea to start the Company came to the founders following an accident at the Montego Bay Freeport in the early 1990's. An oil tanker discharging jet fuel caught fire and there were no tugs to pull her off the berth to safety. One person was killed as a result of this explosion which could have engulfed the entire Freeport.
As a result of that fire, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) recognized that tug services were needed for the berthing and un-berthing of oil tankers in all ports outside of Kingston and not just the Kingston Port where they provided the service. A group of Marine Pilots under the stewardship of Hermon King, got together and purchased LAWFUL which was used in the berthing and un-berthing of oil tankers in Montego Bay, Freeport, Port Kaiser, Port Esquivel and Rocky Point
"Historically, in Jamaica in the early 1960s, tugboats were mainly owned by overseas interests, with smaller, locally owned boats converted and used as tugs. However, as the ships calling in the port of Kingston became greater, the need for assistance from tugs increased accordingly. By 1980, the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) purchased the first two locally owned tugs. At present, the PAJ has contracted two tugs from the Canadian company Ocean to meet the needs of larger ships in Kingston."
Jamaica Gleaner, Tuesday, September 22, 2020
In May 2012, the use of a tug was deemed unnecessary by the port operators at Rocky Point. Upon approaching the berth, the vessel MT Pathfinder with a deep draft sheered to port making contact with the berth causing extensive damage which could have been avoided if a tug had been there to assist. As a result of this accident it was agreed that two tugs were needed to dock and undock the oil tankers; one tug to dock and two tugs to undock the alumina vessels. Fortunately Portside had the two tugs needed to avoid disruption and to ensure continued operations at the port Up to October 2012, we were operating with two tugs
The accident also forced the Port Authority to examine the need for tug services in the other ports outside of Kingston . The infrastructure of most outports has not changed significantly over the last fifty years while the ships are getting bigger (longer and wider) in order to accommodate more cargo This now makes vessel manoeuvring within the outports very difficult and critical, creating the need for tug services for safe berthing and un-berthing of vessels, which is an expectation by ship operators. This situation applies especially in Port Esquivel, Rocky Point, Port Kaiser and Discovery Bay where large deep draught bulk carriers load Alumina, bauxite and unload fuel oil
Portside Towing Ltd, currently operates nine tugboats consisting of 2 ASD and 7 conventional twin screw vessels...
...to fulfil the commitment required by the Port Authority (see Table 1). They are used to assist with the safe berthing and un-berthing of ships in the various outports carrying alumina, sugar, containers, break bulk cargo, bauxite, passengers and oil at the ports of Rocky Point, Port Esquivel, Portland Bight (New Fortress Energy LNG operation), Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Falmouth, Discovery Bay, Rio Bueno and Port Kaiser (see Table 2) The Port Authority of Jamaica currently does not provide the tug services needed for the safe manoeuvring of ships that call at these outports. Hence, PTL adequately fills this gap by providing the necessary services.
PortsideTowingLimited-VesselList&Particulars
ThefollowingvesselsareunderownershipandmanagementofPortsideTowingLimited
All our tugs are fully crewed by Jamaican Captains, Engineers, and Seamen and classed by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), who plays an important role in ensuring that our vessels are properly maintained by undertaking annual inspection surveys and certification as required. MAJ also provides the on-site inspection and advises on the condition and safety of the tugs.
It is our intention to replace the older vessels with modern ones and this process has already started. The ninth tug of the fleet added in March 2022 is a brand new 2021 Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) 70 ton bollard tug 2312 series (latest propulsion technology). This tug has enabled us to improve the quality services given to New Fortress LNG Terminal in the Portland Bight, now providing three tugs 70, 65 & 60 tons bollard pull, supported by two additional 50 ton tug boats. With a compliment of nine tugs, Portside is able to maintain their operational obligations in the ports, facilitating release of a tug to carry out statutory maintenance and dry dockings, devoid of the need to charter a replacement vessel.
1) Implementation of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), enhancing vessel operation & maintenance in the optimization of vessels safety, reliability, and availability in fulfilling our Harbour tugs operations in the ports of Jamaica.
2) Implementation of the IMO 2018 International Safety Management (ISM), with the company and vessels operating under an International Safety Management System (SMS)which will be fully certified and surveyed by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica. We acknowledge that safety is the responsibility of every employee of the company. Although the vessels owned & operated are below 500 gross ton, where it is not mandatory to implement ISM, Portside Towing has voluntarily decided to implement and maintain a documented (SMS) to fulfil IMO Standards for ISM requirements.
3) Implementation of a Fleet management Software, which includes modules to cover all key areas of operation & management of fleet.
Six of our tugs are fitted with large fire fighting engines /equipment which will provide fire fighting capabilities in the outport. The ports have included the use of these tugs in their fire plans.
We had the chance to sit and have an interesting chat with our Port Engineer, Mr Abdul Brown. We posed a few questions and heard his responses.
PTL: How did you fall in love with Marine Engineering?
AB: My Friend and I applied to attend UTECH after high school, I was interested in the Structural Engineering Programme at UTECH. He suggested that I applied to Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) for the Diploma in Maritime Engineering. UTECH responded and accepted me but I didn't hear from CMI. I was disappointed but my friend said that I should visit the campus to make sure and I did. To my surprise, I was also accepted there. So I decided to do that programme. I was successful and graduated in 2009.
...so I decided to do that programme. I was successful and graduated in 2009...
PTL: When did you first get the chance to sail on the 'high seas'?
AB: My very first experience was on the CFS Panavera. This I did for six months. I then moved on to many other sea-going missions in as far as off shore Africa for seven months.
PTL: When you decide to come closer to 'JamRoc', what was your next professional move?
AB: I wanted to be closer to home so I decided to join the JDF Coast Guard Wing in 2013 as a Private. What was interesting to me was the fact that I had to complete one year of infantry training to qualify for the Navy. I have no regrets as all this time I benefitted from very rigid training that coupled with my engineering expertise has made my professional profile look impressive.
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PTL: How long did you stay in the JDF and why did you leave?
AB: I stayed until 2021 when I decided to apply for a post here at PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd. My role in the navy was a very good one. I however was unable to communicate with my young family, sometimes for days. Many times I would be on sea-going missions where I was cut off for days and unable to talk to them by phone Though I loved my job it was very difficult
Leaving was a decision as I extensive trainin globe, USA, Am were great for my
PTL: How has i are at PORTSIDE AB: Fantastic! made the right c the right time w knowledge base am able to step ENGINEER
PTL: How do y difference her TOWING Ltd.
AB: I know t difference here the discipline a Coast Guard alon and skills from JDF and the ma worked on. I com along with my fel the quality of professionalism. group of enginee the abilities requ PORTSIDE TOW
MR. TYRONE WEBSTER
F R O M
T H E G E N E R A L M A N A G E R ' S D E S K
"After all, a Team can only be as strong as its weakest link. Great lengths can be reached by the strong links and the entire voyage lost when that weak link breaks."
I am honoured to lead such a qualified team of professionals. I think alot about the power of the 'COLLECTIVE WILL' and the force that potentially exists here at PORTSIDE TOwING Ltd. and the heights that it can take us.
Please know that we see you! those of you who maintain the best YOU, maintain your Competency, maintain the Company's property, Represent the PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd. Brand in a most positive light, carry the Flame of the Founding Fathers upon your chest and manifest the dreams, hopes and aspirations. We see you and must humbly say, Thank You!
We are just turning the corner of a mechanical nightmare were a few of our engines/generators experienced a series of extremely costly failures that launched repeated blows to our bottom-line. We have been blessed that our resilience secured us and relaunched us on our mapped route. This has been the most prolific example of the weakest link theory.
I therefore saw it extremely necessary to look at the theory in my very first address to you, in this our inaugural CAPTAIN"S BLOG newsletter.
...this idiom is used to express that a group can only be as successful as its least successful or powerful person
The success of the entire group depends on the success of each individual member of the group.
Asaprofessionalitisyourresponsibility toputgreateffortintoyourbrand.Firstof all,askyourselfthisquestion: Areyoutheweakestlink?
Aregrowinginyourprofessionalcompetency?
AreyouoperatinginaspiritofExcellence?
DoyouensurethatDeadlinesaremet?
Doyoufollowtheestablishedstructure?
Doyoumakeexcusesfornon-performance?
The weakestlinkisonewho createsgreatfinancialburden. Thispersonincreasesthe workloadoftheteamandcauses abottleneckinthesuccessofthe collectiveefforts. Aswemoveforward,letushelp eachothertobecomestronger 'links'.Let'sdoourownindividual assessmentofourselvesandchart thewayforwardtoselfdevelopment.Letusworktogether fortheindividualbenefit,thatof ourTeamandoutbeloved Company,PORTSIDETOWINGLtd.
"Every single link in the chain is critical. You are VERY important! you can add STRENGTH or you can add WEAKNESS.."
I hope this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. As the Operations Manager of our esteemed Company, PORTSIDE TOWING Ltd., I wanted to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the expertise, attitude, and discipline demonstrated by our tugboat crew.
Our crew members play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operations of our maritime services. They navigate challenging waters, and perform intricate manoeuvrers, with utmost precision. It is your dedication and commitment that enables us to consistently deliver exceptional results to our clients. First and foremost, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the expertise that you, our tugboat crew possess. Your knowledge of seamanship skills, and the intricacies of handling tugboats is well noted. The professionalism exhibited while navigating through demanding conditions and executing difficult tasks is a testament to your exceptional expertise Your competence and ability to adapt to varying situations is commendable.
In addition to your expertise, it is the positive attitude of our tugboat crew members that sets them apart. The ‘can-do’ spirit, enthusiasm, and willingness to go the extra mile, inspire confidence and motivation among your colleagues. Even in challenging situations, work is approached with a positive mindset, ensuring that every task is carried out to the best of your abilities. This attitude creates a harmonious work environment and fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie among the crew. Lastly, I want to emphasize the importance of discipline within our crew. The nature of our industry demands strict adherence to safety protocols, adherence to schedules, and meticulous attention to detail. Our tugboat crew for the most part demonstrates reasonably high levels of discipline, ensuring that every operation is conducted with the utmost care and precision.
This disciplined approach not only ensures the safety of our crew and assets but also reinforces our company's reputation as a trusted and reliable service provider.
To all our tugboat crew members, please accept my gratitude for your commitment to always try to do better. Your expertise, attitude, and discipline have not gone unnoticed, and they serve as an inspiration to all the crew. Your hard work and dedication are invaluable to the Company's success. In closing, I encourage everyone to take a moment to appreciate the efforts of our tugboat crew members. Let us continue to support, recognize, and motivate each other with unwavering expertise, exhibit positive attitudes, and uphold discipline.
PHOTO CREDIT: JORDON SMITH