Redwise

In a once-in-a-blue-moon occurring “door-to-door delivery”, Redwise was requested to mobilize the shallow draft survey launch POLARIS II from Northern Germany to Sardinia. Due to its dimensions, a special transport was arranged by Redwise with Messrs. Van der Wees to truck the vessel to Mandelieu in the south of France on a deep loader, after which she was delivered on her own keel to Porto-Vecchio in Sardinia. Limitations on loading quays and ferries prohibited trucking the vessel to Porto Cervo.

Redwise has been contracted for the technical and crew management of the POLARIS II, conducting nearshore survey operations on the Italian coast together with the Redwise-owned and operated survey launch BALTIC. Superintendent Ake van der Vinne played an active role throughout the entire project, from classification and registration under the Dutch flag to supervising loading and discharging operations, as well as serving as a “crewmember” during the final leg of the voyage.

The coastal voyage, almost resembling a holiday experience along the French and Italian Riviera, was carried out by a team of four, including a crew member from the Owners who had been working closely together with the team throughout the entire preparation of the vessel.Following launch in Mandelieu, the first days of the project focused on preparing the vessel for the passage to Sardinia. With the vessel’s limitations in fuel capacity, lack of onboard accommodation, and restrictions under her certification, the voyage itself was conducted from marina to marina, with overnight stays in the ports of call.

As the voyage progressed along the Italian coastline, POLARIS II gradually settled into an operational rhythm. During the stop in Loano, the crew addressed the usual teething problems to ensure that the vessel was fully ready to commence her survey duties upon arrival. At the same time, engine performance and fuel consumption continued to be monitored and fine-tuned following recent overhaul works, providing valuable operational insights and data throughout the mobilization.

Between port calls and daily operational routines, there were also quieter moments under calm Mediterranean conditions, including occasional sightings of dolphins. From La Spezia, the route south took POLARIS II further along the Italian coastline and across towards Corsica, with operational stops in Rosignano Marittimo, Port de Toga, and Porto-Vecchio before arrival in Northern Sardinia.

Conditions throughout the voyage varied significantly between each leg. Some days brought calm Mediterranean seas and long coastal passages under clear skies, while others introduced rolling swell, reduced visibility, and stronger winds near the Strait of Bonifacio.

Following successful delivery, POLARIS II commenced survey activities in the waters surrounding Northern Sardinia, employing two Masters and two ABs from Redwise on a 4-weeks-on / 4-weeks-off rotation while accommodated ashore, together with the client's Surveyor.

Is there a better way to spend the summer?

The Redwise team recently attended ITS 2026 in Gothenburg, Sweden!

ITS remains one of those events for us where business and relationships come together. It's a chance to discuss ongoing projects, exchange new experiences, and reconnect with colleagues and old friends across the industry. Throughout the week, the booth was a meeting point for functional conversations, but it also sparked quite a few historical discussions not only about Redwise and its history, but also maritime at large, including a number of former colleagues from the pre-Redwise days who found their way back to the stand.

Together with IMS, we exhibited at the event and spent the week catching up with clients and many familiar (and new) faces from across the tug and salvage industry. It was also interesting to see the latest developments within the maritime industry and hear how others are responding to the opportunities and challenges within the maritime sector today.

A particular highlight was Thursday's tug presentation, where we had the opportunity to see the ElectRA 2500SX Svitzer Ingrid and the TundRA 3000 Svitzer Embla up close.

Thank you to the International Tug & Salvage Community and to everyone who stopped by the stand for a chat. We enjoyed the conversations and look forward to continuing them in the months ahead.

Join Redwise at ITS 2026 – Booth #3074

Redwise will be attending the International Tug & Salvage Convention (ITS) 2026 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

ITS has long been an important meeting place for the tug, towage, offshore, and salvage industries, bringing together maritime professionals from around the world to reconnect, exchange experiences, and catch up on what is happening across the sector.

We will be located at Booth #3074 near the hospitality entrance. Our team looks forward to being part of the event and meeting clients, partners, and industry connections throughout the week.

See you in Gothenburg!