I come to this thread as a Towboater whose career was spent in these waters from a green deckhand to Master on Canadian tugs. These ranged from 0 (rulebeater) to 500T. The cargos covered the gamut from oil to logs. I attest that it took more than 12 transits before an owner gave me a few million worth of tug, barge and cargo to transit this complex piece of water as master or mate. I believe the trend of consolidation of towboat companies has lessioned the amount of local knowledge on this route both at the manning and owner level. Reduced safety margin’s are the result. I cannot speak to ATB’s having no experience. A local major energy sector operator considers 12 mtr breakout a good fit: https://www.islandtug.com/island-trader-barge married to
https://www.islandtug.com/island-monarch-tug
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