New tug for Jersey’s harbours

Ports of Jersey has taken delivery of a new tug to work in local waters. Devout, which arrived last week, is a small, multi-purpose tug designed for the kind of work required around Jersey’s harbours.

Her former owners were Thamescraft Dry Docking Services, where Devout contributed to maritime operations on one of the world’s busiest waterways. The vessel’s robust design and adaptability made her an invaluable asset, capable of handling diverse tasks with ease.

Devout was built in 2009 and has twin Caterpillar engines, a 16T bollard pull, and an onboard deck crane which will be reinstalled.

Marine Operations Manager, Fleur Moisan, said: “We are delighted to welcome Devout to Jersey. Over the next few months, she will undergo a makeover as she transitions into her role with us. The team is looking forward to carrying out the necessary maintenance and familiarisation training, to ensure she is fully operational for her duties in and around our harbours.”

Devout will be based in Jersey, and alongside her primary role supporting vessels accessing St Helier harbour in inclement weather, she will be used by the maintenance team on tasks like deploying seasonal buoyage, and ladder and quay repairs. Ports of Jersey’s larger Marine Services vessels, which work commercially on projects around the world, will still be seen from time to time in Jersey waters, when they come to support significant projects and maintenance work.

Marine Services

Ports of Jersey has five vessels in its commercial workboat fleet: Duke of Normandy, Duchess, Elisa, Viking Energy, and Severn Supporter. Two 50 to 60 metre flat barges are due to be added to the fleet this year. This marine business generated an income of £7.6 million in 2024, which is invested in the maintenance and development of Jersey’s critical maritime infrastructure.