French tugs to fulfil rescue and salvage duties following refit

German Naval Yards Kiel has completed conversion work on two tugs to enable them to perform rescue and salvage operations along the French coast.

Owned by French company Les Abeilles, Abeille Mediterranee (formerly the anchor handling tug Siem Diamond) and Abeille Normandie recently underwent modifications that include complete conversion of the stern, arrangement of the working winch, upgrading of the on-board cranes, and installation of additional rescue equipment. Also, additional rooms on the working deck were constructed and modifications were completed in the accommodation area to ensure suitability for humanitarian operations.

Abeille Mediterranee will be made available to the French Navy as a multi-functional emergency tug with an external firefighting system and space for accommodating up to 300 rescued survivors.