Tug News Roundup: Canadian Designs Shine Globally
- Tugboats designed by Canadian firms are trending in international markets.
- Polestar Maritime orders two new tugs, enhancing operations in India.
- Svitzer expands operations in Brazil with three new tug contracts.
- Egypt’s Navy receives the ministerial escort tug designed by Robert Allan.
- New arrivals demonstrated sustainability with a first fully electric tug.
Recent Tug Deliveries Are Making Headlines
Deliveries of new tugboats are making waves across various regions, with notable transactions recently reported from Australia, Egypt, Brazil, and further afield. This week featured standout deliveries, including a tugboat destined for an Australian towage company and another crafted for the Egyptian Navy. Interestingly, all five tugs spotlighted this week hail from the same Canadian design firm, showcasing the strong influence and demand for their innovative designs in the tug industry.
New Orders Strengthen Presence in India
In India, Polestar Maritime has expanded its fleet with an order for two additional tugs from Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). This recent order is complemented by a prior contract where Polestar had already secured three similar vessels through a subsidiary of CSL, Udupi-CSL. The latest tugs will be built based on plans from Robert Allan Ltd, a name synonymous with quality in naval architecture, and are set to be constructed at CSL’s facility in Cochin.
Svitzer Expands Operations with New Orders
As part of its strategic growth in the region, Svitzer has turned its sights to Brazil, placing an order for three tugs with Estaleiro Rio Maguari. Designed by none other than Robert Allan Ltd, these vessels will be 23.2 meters in length and are primed for operations with a top speed of 13 knots. Meanwhile, in New South Wales, Svitzer Australia has also been active, welcoming its first of two new tugs into service at the Port of Newcastle, enhancing its operational capability in the area. This tug, named Svitzer Barrington, boasts impressive specifications, including a bollard pull of 81 tonnes and a maximum steering force of 124 tonnes at 10 knots, ensuring it is ready for tough conditions.
International Developments Showcase Innovation
On international shores, the Egyptian Navy has added the Ras Alhekma tug to its fleet, a vessel also conceived by Robert Allan Ltd and produced at Alexandria Shipyard. This tug, covering a length of 32.7 meters, was constructed with functionality in mind, featuring a sponsoned hull aimed to improve escort towing and sea performance. Not to be overlooked is Svitzer’s milestone in innovative technology with their first fully electric tug, launched with great anticipation in Turkey—this 25.4-meter vessel equipped with advanced battery capacity is paving the way for a greener future in towage.
New Vessels Encompass Advancements in Design
In Italy, Rimorchiatori Napoletani is celebrating the arrival of Portosalvo, a new tugboat designed for performance with twin Z-drive propulsion. This craft is the first in a series of four sisterships, further underscoring the ongoing trend towards sustainable maritime operations given its environmentally compliant tier III engines. With its robust build and impressive bollard pull capabilities, Portosalvo is a perfect example of modern tug design meeting operational efficiency.
The tug industry is buzzing with recent developments featuring Canadian-designed vessels finding homes across the globe. Significant contracts in regions like India, Brazil, and even a fully electric tug in Turkey demonstrate a keen interest in both traditional and modern maritime solutions. As these companies continue to expand and innovate, the influence of Canadian naval architecture remains strong, setting a standard in buoying the global market for maritime services.
