Page 29 - Port of Kokkola Handbook & Directory

Ssevere winter months.Taurus joined the fleet in 2015 and Draco in 2016. Both vessels were brought to Kokkola from Naantali in south-western Finland after voyages lasting 30 hours. Both tugs immediately went into service the day after their arrival.TOWAGEHigh five for Kokkola’s tugsThe tugs at the port of Kokkola are kept busy towing vessels into the port and battling winter ice to help keep channels open and ice-free during Finland’sThe company has been offering services to port customers for nearly 40 years. As the port of Kokkola has grown and developed over the years, so has Jani’s tug business, which has expanded in line with Kokkola’s success.taff working at the port of Kokkola are giving a ‘high five’ for new tugs brought into the fleet owned and“Most of our tugs are out in service on a daily basis and keep us busy,” says Jani. “We now employ 18 staff, some of whom live on board the tugs in very comfortable surroundings. Some tugs even have a sauna. It saves the crew having a long commute to and from work.”operated by family firm of Oy Yxpila Hinaus-Bogsering Ab and managed by Jani Hannula, son of the previous owner Mauri Hannula. The fleet has now grown from three tugs to five.Two additional tugs – Draco and Taurus – have joined Jani’s fleet from St. Petersburg to work alongside Aries, Orion and Cetus. The fleet now comprises two conventional vessels and three Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) type tugs. All five vessels are highly manoeuvrable and available 24/7, all-year-round.The tugs are built with extra-reinforced hulls which can break through the thickest of iceas they guidevessels intoHANDBOOK & DIRECTORY PORT OF KOKKOLA 27