With more than 30 years of service, Guy Van Beethoven, Project & Maintenance Engineer at Technical Fleet, and Chris Eyskens, Ship’s Engineer, have both built a richly fulfilling career at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. They witnessed the fleet evolve and explain how this affected their job.
Chris: "I am a ship's engineer on the Hydrotug. I am responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of all technical systems on board. Including the engine, generators, and auxiliary systems. If something goes wrong during a voyage, I am the one who finds the problem and solves it."
If something goes wrong during a voyage, I am the one who finds the problem and solves it.
Guy: "The crew handles first-line maintenance, while we at Technical Fleet take care of the heavier work. As a project and maintenance engineer, I oversee periodic maintenance, overhauls and the construction of new tugboats, such as the Hydrotug."
Guy: "Where there used to be a single warning light that flashed when a problem arose, we now track roughly a thousand parameters via software. This requires specialists across a range of disciplines, from radar and radio to engine control and steering systems."
Chris: "We carry out fewer major repairs on board now than we used to. If there is any risk of further damage, we take the tugboat out of service and switch to another boat. We record our findings in the fleet management system, and Technical Fleet takes it from there."
I oversee periodic maintenance, overhauls and the construction of new tugboats, such as the Hydrotug.
Guy: “To achieve climate targets. Even with reduced engine power, we can match – and in some cases exceed – the towing capacity of a tugboat equipped with Voith Schneider Propellers."
Chris: The major difference lies in the new construction and comfort requirements. In the past you, spent the entire day on board with constant vibrations, and you’d come home smelling of diesel. That's a lot less the case today."
Guy: "Reduced vibration and noise also lead to less fatigue and improved safety, since you notice irregularities sooner. The ergonomics have also improved: the steering position is now ‘facing the work’ rather than sideways, which is better for the neck and shoulders during long shifts."
Guy: "I have been contributing to our tugboat new-build projects since 2009. We incorporate lessons learned from earlier vessels with every project. Seeing a new tugboat finally set sail is very satisfying."
Chris: "On the Hydrotug, for example, there is a longer start-up checklist and more monitoring from the wheelhouse instead of manual checks. Everyone on board completes specialised technical training, including training on the safety systems."
