The high-tech AHTSV Nos Leo relaunches the Neri fleet to 50 units: the Group's focus on sustainability, offshore expansion and an unprecedented strategic development in the delicate geopolitical scenario

As the group was engaged in the search for the Nos Leo, to take on an order from the Suez Canal Port Authority for the construction of 10 tugboats. 

The port of Livorno hosted the naming ceremony for the tugboat Nos Leo—the latest addition to the F.lli Neri fleet. The name is an acronym for Neri Offshore Supply and Leo, the latter chosen in keeping with the family tradition of naming ships after the star sign of a member, on this occasion the wife of Cavaliere Piero Neri, Gabriella Neri. according to Shipping Italy

The ship's christening

In the presence of numerous civil and military authorities, including the President of the Tuscany Region, Eugenio Giani, and the Mayor of Livor Luca Salvetti, ,the day celebrated not only the ship's christening—with the blessing of Bishop Monsignor Simone Giusti and the traditional ribbon-cutting by godmother Gabriella Neri—but also the announcement of a significant expansion and diversification plan for the Group.

Classified as an AHTSW

Classified as an AHTSW (Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel), the vessel has technical specifications designed for the assistance and refueling of oil platforms, both on deck and in the hold, worldwide, explained Piero Neri. It also has significant operational and transport capabilities: on deck, it can load up to 600 tons of heavy materials on deck and ensure a total platform refueling capacity of approximately 3,000 tons per mission.

In terms of safety and positioning
In the hold, it has stainless steel tanks for 600 m³ of fuel, 800 m³ of drilling fluids, 350 m³ of water, and the ability to receive 320 m³ of sludge. It can tow platforms with a fixed pull of 100 tons and has Anchor Handling functionality to lift and replace the anchors that hold the platforms in place.

In terms of safety and positioning, the RINA Ffi 2 classification attests to the tug's high firefighting capacity, capable of delivering 7,400 cubic meters of water at a distance of 100 meters. The Dp2 dynamic positioning system, supported by four transverse propellers, allows the vessel to remain immobile at sea; an essential aspect for underwater inspections

Certified to sail across all oceans

Nos Leo has a very long range and is certified to sail across all oceans; it can sail nonstop for 50 days, covering routes such as Livorno-New York and back without refueling. The vessel, which was acquired following a rapid and necessary search of the international market after winning a tender from Eni, located its operating unit north of the Shetland Islands, will immediately operate for the Italian major in the Strait of Sicily, in the area off the ports of Gela and Lecco.

Order of Suez Canal (SCA ) for the construction of 10 tugboats

In his speech, Cavalier Neri reaffirmed the Group's commitment, which also operates in logistics and shipbuilding, to not forget its maritime roots and the need to constantly invest in business development and employment. To this end, it has launched a significant fleet renewal program. Given that the last new vessel was delivered in 2021, the Group seized the opportunity, just as it was engaged in the search for the Nos Leo, to take on an order from the Suez Canal Authority ( SCA ) for the construction of 10 tugboats. This prompted Neri to meet personally with the president of the port authority and sign an agreement for four new vessels—two to be delivered in 2026 and two in the first quarter of 2027—at the Egyptian shipyard Misr Tugboats Factory (part of Egypt Yachts, a company in partnership with the Suez Canal Authority and the South Red Sea).

 The total fleet to approximately 50 units. 

On the sidelines of the event, Piero Neri confirmed to SHIPPING ITALY that the addition of these new units will bring the total fleet (tugboats and supply vessels) to approximately 50 units. The decision to take over the Egyptian order was motivated by three crucial factors: the naval design was the same as Neri tugboats already in the fleet (designed by Robert Allen); the technicians had confirmed the shipyard's construction quality; and the operation would significantly shorten delivery times compared to European standards (18-24 months). Regarding offshore operations, Neri confirmed that the company is aiming for further development in this segment, which currently represents approximately 20% of F.lli Neri's towing sector turnover, and is in negotiations.

The sustainability of new constructions

Regarding the sustainability of new constructions, "Our technical office is implementing measures that will qualify these new tugboats as eco-sustainable, especially since, in light of the provisions of the new budget law, it would be important to fall within the required categories," the president explained.

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The Group may also have business opportunities in the Suez Canal.

Finally, Mr. Neri raised expectations by announcing further corporate development in a sector not related to current operations, but in a field that "is attracting considerable attention in such a sensitive geopolitical moment." The announcement of this new activity is expected within the next six or seven months. When asked, he hinted that the Group may also have business opportunities in the Suez Canal.

Source : Shipping Italy 

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