Valletta, Malta July 2018
Owned by VPJ Ltd., Msida, Malta. Ex-6, ex-12, Nord 316, D 12. Built by Jonker&Stans, Hendrik-Ido-Amacht, Netherlands with yard number 231 as the Belgian diesel (Deutz)-electric tug D 12 for account of the town Antwerp, Belgium in 1930. Gross tonnage 29 tons. Horsepower 90 hp. Dimensions 15,10 (between perpendiculars)-15,95 (over all) x 3,90 x 2,30 (hold) metres.
The Dutch newspaper Voorwaarts dated 13 February 1930 wrote that the shipyard received an order from the Belgian town Antwerp to built 4 complete steam tugs to be used in the harbour. The Dutch newspaper Algemeen Handelblad dated 30 March 1930 confirmed an order for 4 tugs without supplying more details. The edition of the Voorwaarts dated 9 July 1930 reported that the keels were laid for 4 tugs. The order for 4 tug was later increased with another 2.
The website Binnenvaart.eu supplied very different details. She mentioned a steam tug fitted out with 1-110hp Mercede Benz engine and which was built as the Antwerpen 12, seized by the German Kriegsmarine in 1940, sunk in 1942 off Norway, salvaged, a the Antwerpen 1953 again in service of the town Antwerp, converted by Lambrecht, Boom into a motor tug in 1975. owned by Stolk's Handelonderbening BV, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht as the Antwerpen 16 in 1983 and since 1976 of A. Knook. Sliedrecht, Netherlands. Converted into a pleasure craft.
