Kotug Smit tugs tackle Ghent recycling plant fire

Tug Brugge provided water curtain to prevent spread of fire and smoke

SEPTEMBER 27, 2016 — Harbor towage services provider Kotug Smit Towage provided successful firefighting operations in the Port of Ghent, Belgium, earlier this month when its tugs Brugge and Braakman received a call from the Ghent port authority, requesting assistance in fighting a fire at an iron and steel recycling plant in the port of Ghent.

Arriving at the scene, the crews of Brugge and Braakman immediately shifted a bulk carrier moored at the facility to a safe berthing place in Ghent. Then the tug Brugge used is FiFi capabilities at the fire zone, battling the flames and creating a water curtain to protect the environment and inhabited areas against the further spread of fire and smoke.

Thanks to excellent cooperation with local authorities and Fire Brigade, immediate availability and well-equipped tugs, further personal accidents and damages could be prevented.