Dragonfish naming ceremony

Said the Bland chairman: When we were considering what name to give her, we decided to ask our crews, and the resounding response was that they wanted the new vessel to retain the name of the one she was replacing. DRAGONFISH has delivered more lubricants than any of our other vessels, and they wanted to keep alive her memory, what she represents for the company, and the proud tradition that she established.

But the new DRAGONFISH is a far cry from the old and is an improvement in every respect. She weighed in at about 267 tons when she was lifted out of the water in Turkey and has a cargo capacity of 500m3. She is 38m in length with a beam of 9m. She has a double hull and meets or exceeds the highest industry standards.

We have had very favourable reports from the inspectors who have surveyed the vessel and are confident that there are few lube oil barges that match her quality and high specifications. She sets a very high standard.

Mr Metin AKBASOGLU and his son Uluç, from Akdeniz Shipyard in Turkey, who built her, were particularly welcome.

Chris Wood, Director at MH Bland Marine Services, was intimately involved in this project from start to finish.

Chris was ably assisted by Peter Aguilera, Julian Robertson and consultant, Mathew Byrne, who has been Chris’ right hand man.

Also thanked was Alex Sorrel, Group Finance Director, who was supported by David Bruce, Mark Stevens, Jordan Priestly and Alison Knight at Royal Bank of Scotland International who made it all possible.

MH Bland’s roots are in the port. Brexit or no Brexit, Gibraltar stands at a crossroads to world trade - on one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world – something that no one can take away from us – and I have confidence that the port of Gibraltar will continue to serve the needs of the maritime community as it has done over the centuries – and - as it has done over the last 209 years, MH Bland will strive to continue to serve Gibraltar, its port and its users, said the chairman.

Monsignor Paul Bear blessed the vessel 'after which I will ask my sister Mandy, who has agreed to be her godmother, to officially name her,' said the chairman.

17-05-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR