Cory bolsters its numbers on the river

Cory Environmental has commissioned Netherlands ship builders, Damen Shipyards Group to design and construct four new tugs for its river operations, updating the company’s existing fleet and bolstering its presence on the River Thames.

The order for the new vessels has been placed to further equip the fleet for the transportation of waste on the river in advance of the operation of the Riverside Resource Recovery facility in Belvedere, which was granted planning permission in 2006 and will begin operation in 2011.

The first two tugs are expected to arrive in May 2010, with the second two scheduled for arrival in July 2010. Cory plans to use the new tugs to replace its existing fleet of vessels on the river, with the exception of Cory’s twin-screw tug The Regain.

Cory Environmental, which is the largest lighterage operator on the upper reaches of the Thames and has been operating on the river for over 100 years, uses the river to transport approximately 15 per cent of London’s waste, supporting the decrease of traffic congestion in the city.

The new tugs, which are used to pull barges carrying containerised waste, follow the design of a Shoalbuster 2208 and will be compatible with Cory’s existing fleet of barges. The Shoalbuster model is already designed to operate in shallow conditions but Cory’s bespoke fleet will also be designed with new features such as the ability to meet stringent air draft constraints.

Malcolm Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Cory Environmental, said: “The unique utilisation of the river is vital to Cory’s operations and is an effective way to minimise the environmental impacts of transporting London’s waste. The new tugs will ensure Cory maintains its high standards of operations on the river for many years to come.”

ENDS

Cory Environmental is one of the UK’s leading waste management and recycling companies. It operates in 30 locations across the country, providing expert services in the collection, recycling and disposal of waste.  Cory is the largest lighterage operator on the River Thames.

For further information please contact:

Lynne Cure on 020 7417 5289 or Daisy Halliday on 01233 614 525 or email daisy@dtwv.co.uk.