Alport officially launched a new tugboat in The Gambia on 16 October. Company representatives presided over the ceremony, which marked the introduction of the vessel into the local maritime fleet.
The launch event featured a display of water cannons, while drone shots captured the proceedings from the air. Media organizations GRTS and Star FM TV provided coverage of the arrival and commissioning of the tugboat.
The introduction of this vessel represents a significant addition to the maritime infrastructure currently operating within the jurisdiction. Alport representatives, speaking during the formal proceedings, noted the technical capabilities of the tugboat and its intended role in supporting local maritime operations. The ceremony was structured to showcase the vessel’s readiness for active duty, with the commissioning process serving as the primary focus for the assembled stakeholders and company officials who gathered at the site.
Throughout the event, the operational readiness of the tugboat was demonstrated through a series of planned maneuvers. The display of water cannons served as a traditional maritime salute, marking the official entry of the vessel into the service of Alport. This visual demonstration provided a clear view of the vessel’s onboard fire-fighting and safety systems, which are essential components for modern tugboat operations. The inclusion of these water cannons added a ceremonial element to the commissioning, noting the vessel’s utility and its preparedness for the varied requirements of the local maritime environment.
To ensure a full record of the proceedings, the launch was documented using advanced aerial technology. Drone shots captured the entire event from the air, providing a unique perspective of the tugboat as it moved through the water. These aerial images offered a clear view of the vessel’s deck layout and its position relative to the surrounding maritime infrastructure. The use of drones allowed for a detailed observation of the commissioning, capturing the scale of the vessel and the precision of the maneuvers performed during the launch sequence.
Media organizations GRTS and Star FM TV provided coverage of the arrival and commissioning of the tugboat. Reporters and camera crews from these outlets were present to document the statements made by Alport representatives and to record the visual notes of the day. By providing coverage of the event, GRTS and Star FM TV ensured that the commissioning was communicated to a wider audience, detailing the technical specifications of the tugboat and its importance to the maritime sector. The presence of these media organizations allowed for a thorough documentation of the proceedings, from the initial arrival of the vessel to the final stages of its official commissioning.
The successful launch on 16 October concludes the planning phase for the vessel’s integration into the fleet. Alport has confirmed that the tugboat is now fully prepared to begin its operational duties, supported by the systems and personnel showcased during the launch event. The combination of the water cannon display, the aerial documentation provided by drone shots, and the professional reporting by GRTS and Star FM TV solidified the significance of the event for all parties involved in the maritime activities of The Gambia.