Svitzer, global towage provider and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, will invest in two new state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient tugs to operate on Newcastle Harbour.
CEO of Port Authority of New South Wales (NSW), 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 Svitzer’s goal of halving its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving climate-neutral operations in 2040. That is in step with the Port Authority’s goal of reaching net zero by 2040.
Additionally, according to Svitzer, the new tugs will deliver an estimated 10-15% fuel use reduction when compared to other tugs on the market.
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.
Svitzer also announced it had contracted Uzmar Shipyard to deliver the new vessels to Newcastle in 2025, following a design collaboration between renowned 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.
