Global towage provider and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, Svitzer, will invest in two new fuel-efficient tugs to operate on Newcastle Harbour.
Port Authority of NSW CEO Captain Philip Holliday said the two new TRAnsverse tugs will not only meet Newcastle’s complex harbour towage requirements but will also reduce fuel use and emissions.
He added that the company’s goal of halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving climate-neutral operations in 2040 is in step with Port Authority’s goal of reaching net zero by 2040.
The new tugs will deliver an estimated 10-15 per cent fuel use reduction when compared to other tugs on the market, according to Svitzer.
“These new tugs will be built to a specification that enables biofuel operations, and to the standard required to support Newcastle’s busy and diverse port operations – with capabilities including active towing, and direct and indirect towage,” Holliday continued.
“We look forward to welcoming the new fuel-efficient tugs to Newcastle in 2025.”
Additionally, Svitzer Australia Managing Director, Nicolaj Noes, said the two new tugs would be the first of their kind in Australia, and only the second and third to be deployed globally.
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Today, Svitzer announced it had contracted Uzmar Shipyard to deliver the new vessels to Newcastle in 2025, following design collaboration between renown naval architect, Robert Allen Ltd, and Svitzer.
Once the tugs arrive in Australia, they will undergo a verification process involving local Marine Pilots and the Newcastle Harbourmaster.
This will involve tug specification verification, simulation exercises and commissioning before the new tugs are accepted by the Harbourmaster and introduced into service.
In March 2023, Svitzer announced its expansion to Port of Salvador, Brazil.
More recently, Svitzer signed a Global Services Agreement with Caterpillar to enhance vessel uptime and drive service efficiency.
