Feb. 24th 2025

KOTUG has successfully completed the replacement of the bogie wheel and rail system on Azule Energy’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) CALM buoy in Angola’s Block 18. This buoy, one of the largest of its kind in the world, was installed in 2007 in approximately 1,200 meters. It serves as the primary export route for oil from the Greater Plutonio FPSO.

The key objective for the project was to ensure that the replacement work was carried out without disrupting ongoing oil production and export operations. To achieve this, KOTUG’s team conducted a comprehensive site survey, handled engineering and procurement, and developed detailed procedures to ensure safe, high-quality execution within the limited timeframe between tanker calls at the SPM.

In October 2024, KOTUG’s 31-person team worked tirelessly around the clock to complete the work safely, finishing 7 hours ahead of schedule despite the CALM buoy being handed over 15 hours later than expected. The 24-hour operation included transfers between the DP2 Offshore Support Vessel and the CALM buoy during nighttime hours — an unusual task in the field. However, KOTUG’s extensive experience and long-term contracted terminal support vessels, combined with robust safety measures, made the nighttime transfers possible and executed them without incident.

This successful project is a testament to KOTUG’s offshore expertise, meticulous planning, and commitment to exceeding client expectations, particularly in challenging SPM terminal operations.

Media contacts
Public Relations KOTUG
pr@kotug.com
tel. +31(0)10 217 0217

About KOTUG

KOTUG is a leading maritime family-owned company, offering its innovative towage and maritime related services on a global scale. KOTUG is firmly committed to the highest industry standards of health, safety, environment, quality, and security. Adding value by sustainability-focused innovations, KOTUG provides the complete portfolio based on a combination of long-standing knowledge and advanced technologies. This includes designing, building, chartering, and operating vessels, training personnel, providing innovative consultancy services, and offering comprehensive procurement and logistics solutions on a worldwide scale. The company’s expertise is divided across five pillars: Towage, Training & Consultancy, Intelligence, Subsea and Maritime Excellence. KOTUG is active in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Middle East, North and South America and the Caribbean and continues to expand its operations worldwide. www.kotug.com   

ofi, KOTUG and Jansma Shipping are partnering to implement a new electric E-Pusher and barge combination for sustainable cocoa transportation between the Port of Amsterdam and ofi’s Koog aan de Zaan and Wormer factories in the Netherlands, reducing emissions and noise pollution.

KOTUG’s E-Pusher, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge propulsion systems, works to provide cleaner and quieter transport of ofi‘s cocoa. Working alongside the E-Pusher, retrofit push barges transformed by Jansma Shipyard from diesel vessels further enhance sustainability. These barges have been converted into pusher barges, further extending their lifecycle, and contributing to a circular economy.

ofi, Head of engineering EMENA and Africa, Eric Nederland said: “We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable logistics in the Netherlands, utilizing this new electric transport combination for our cocoa transit in the country. This initiative further underscores our work preserving the environment and the communities in which we operate.”

KOTUG International, President & CEO, Ard-Jan Kooren, said: “We are incredibly grateful to ofi for their collaboration and support in this project. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the evolution of inland shipping, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and innovation. By deploying our E-Pusher in combination with the innovative barge construction, we are not only advancing the maritime industry but also setting a precedent for environmentally responsible practices. Our goal is to inspire other companies and stakeholders to adopt green energy solutions, driving meaningful progress towards global climate objectives for future generations.”

Jansma Shipping, Owner & CEO, Andre Jansma, said, “It is a true privilege to support ofi in optimizing their supply chain, while contributing to minimising their environmental footprint with our four retrofit push barges. The concept of the barges demonstrates the potential of converting existing tonnage into future proof cargo barges and making a mind shift in the approach towards a more sustainable, circular and affordable way to transform the inland shipping industry.”

The E-Pusher and four push barges will be operational, from mid-December 2024.

About ofi

ofi (olam food ingredients) is a new operating group born out of Olam Group. ofi offers sustainable, natural, value-added food products and ingredients so that consumers can enjoy the healthy and indulgent products they love. It consists of industry-leading businesses of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices. ofi has built a unique global value chain presence including its own farming operations, farm-gate origination, and manufacturing facilities. ofi partners with customers, leveraging its complementary and differentiated portfolio of ‘on-trend’ food products, to co-create solutions that anticipate and meet changing consumer preferences as demand increases for healthier food that’s traceable and sustainable.

About Jansma Shipping

Jansma Shipping is part of the Jansma Shipyard group of companies and specialises in new-builds, rebuilds and chartering services. It has a big passion for the Maritime Industry and strives to offer practical turn-key solutions for the highest quality while focusing on customer demand. Over the years Jansma Shipping has been able to deliver its services to clients worldwide supported by a dedicated team of people and a strong network supervised from its headquarter in Rotterdam. More info www.jansmashipping.nl

After a thorough and competitive tender process, KOTUG International B.V. (‘KOTUG’) and its local Senegalese partner Maritalia S.A. have been selected by bp and its project partners, Kosmos Energy, and National Oil Companies Société des Pétroles du Sénégal (PETROSEN) and Société Mauritanienne Des Hydrocarbures (SMH), to provide the marine services to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project.

KOTUG and its local partner, Maritalia S.A. (KOTUG Senegal), have secured a long-term fixed-term contract, with extension options, to provide marine services to one of Africa’s deepest subsea developments, located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal. KOTUG will deploy four RAstar 32m azimuthing stern drive (ASD), IMO Tier-III compliant tugboats to support the offshore Hub Terminal, FLNG and FPSO operations, while Maritalia S.A. will fulfill local content requirements.

KOTUG Senegal is fully committed to developing and optimising local content, contributing to the employment and training of Mauritanian and Senegalese nationals. This initiative includes collaboration with local suppliers and the utilisation of local goods and services. A significant investment will be made in a technical knowledge transfer plan, where selected local candidates will be recruited, educated and trained intensively. These candidates will be trained to progress through the ranks until all positions on board the vessels are held by local crew, including all officers.

Ard-Jan Kooren, President and CEO of KOTUG: “We are honoured to be selected for this prestigious project and to partner with Maritalia S.A. to provide essential marine services for the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim gas project. This supports our extensive track record of operating for (F)LNG projects and we are proud to add another (F)LNG project to our existing portfolio. This collaboration not only underscores our commitment to delivering world-class marine solutions but also highlights our dedication to fostering local talent and contributing to the sustainable development of the Mauritanian and Senegalese economies. By investing in local knowledge and skills, we aim to create long-lasting value and ensure that our operations benefit the communities we serve.”

Alioune dit Ali NDIAYE, President of the Board of Maritalia S.A.: “We are thrilled to collaborate with KOTUG International on the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project. This partnership underscores our commitment to the development and empowerment of local talent in Senegal and Mauritania. By focusing on local content, we aim to create significant opportunities for local employment and capacity building, ensuring that the benefits of this project are shared with our communities. Together, we will foster a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.”

The Greater Tortue Ahmeyim gas project will produce gas from an ultra-deepwater subsea system and FPSO, which will process the gas. The gas will be exported through a ~35km pipeline to an FLNG facility, where it will be transferred to LNG carriers.

KOTUG is pleased to announce that it completed the acquisition of Cleaning Technology and Consultancy B.V. (CTC b.v.) earlier this month. The transaction includes all assets, operations, and personnel marking an important milestone for both companies. 

CTC, a family-owned business founded by Mr. Bob Hortulanus in 1996, began as a supplier of tank cleaning – and gas freeing equipment. Over the years, it has also become a specialist in the procurement and supply of a wide range of technical maritime needs, including both tankship- related equipment (such as hoses, pumps, eductors, valves and couplings) and general technical supplies (such as equipment, tools, spare parts and stores). CTC can procure and deliver directly to any overseas port via courier, truck transport, airfreight or sea freight.   

CTC will remain an independent brand and will continue to build its client base as a standalone company, remaining committed to providing the same high level of service and support that its customers and partners have come to expect.  

Ard Jan Kooren, President & CEO KOTUG, commented: “With CTC, we are confident that we can provide even greater value to our existing organisation and customers by expanding our service portfolio. With this acquisition, we also welcome a team of 13 professionals who share our vision and commitment to operational excellence, and we look forward to working together to achieve our shared goals. 

Bob Hortulanus, Founder of CTC, added: “This acquisition allows me to take the step towards my well-deserved retirement at the age of 71. There has been a long-standing cooperation with KOTUG over the years, and I am confident they are the right partner to take CTC to the next level. 

About CTC 

Founded in 1996, CTC b.v. began as a leading supplier of tank cleaning and gas freeing equipment. Since February 2009, CTC b.v. has been the official representative of Victor Marine Ltd., a UK-based manufacturer of tank cleaning systems, oily water separators, and sewage treatment units. CTC b.v. serves clients across the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, and Spain. 

Over time, CTC b.v. expanded its offerings to include comprehensive technical ship supplies, such as deck, engine, cabin, and galley stores, catering to shipowners and managers of tugboats, general cargo ships, and chemical/LNG tankers. 

With the recent move to a larger warehouse and office facility, CTC now also provides storage and distribution services for shipowners. 

Through extensive contacts at key ports like Singapore, Spain, and beyond, CTC b.v. is well-positioned to support its global clientele. Its dedicated, nautically trained professionals are available 24/7 to ensure expert service and support. www.ctcnl.com