MALABAR (A664)

[shipstamps]

Built as an ocean going tug by the yard of Johann Oelkers, Hamburg, for the French Navy.
Her intended name was APPLIQUE but before launching changed.
16 April 1975 launched under the name MALABAR.
Displacement 925 tons standard, 1.440 ton full load. Dim. 51.2 x 11.4 x 5.70m., draught 5.00m.
Powered by two MAK diesels 4.600 shp, single propeller, speed 14 knots.
Bollard pull 60 ton.
Armament 2 – 12.7mm MG.
Range 32.000 miles by 12 knots.
Crew 30.
07 October 1975 completed.

03 February 1976 commissioned in the French Navy, based at Brest. She is one of the three most powerful tugs in service by the French Navy.
Used for towing all French navy ships, also used for search and rescue work, and the in the fight against pollution in the French economic zone. Used as police force unit against illegal fishing in this zone, and drugs smugglers around the French coast and the French possessions oversees in the Caribbean.

November 1982 was she accepted by Saint Pierre et Miquelon as a godmother city.

Information I got was that she would taken out of service in 2006 but on this website it is given that she was overhauled early this year, and would stay in service.

On St Pierre et Miquelon 1989 3f sg 618, scott 497.

Source: http://www.netmarine.net/bat/remorque/malabar/index.htm

[Arturo]

Stamp and picture

[D. v. Nieuwenhuijzen]

25-01-'21
The tug TSM KERMOR departed with the MALABAR from Brest heading for the breakers Garder & De Bezenac Le Havre Photo : Jacques Carney
(Maasmondmaritime.com #45)