Tug News Roundup: July 11 Highlights Global Design Successes
- Recent deliveries include tugs for Australia and Egypt.
- Polestar Maritime orders two more tugs from Cochin Shipyard.
- Svitzer expands in Brazil with three new tug orders.
- Ultratug Colombia orders a new harbor tug designed by Robert Allan.
- Svitzer Australia welcomes a new tug into Newcastle Port.
- Egyptian Navy receives Ras Alhekma, a new escort tug.
- Svitzer delivers its first fully electric tug to market.
- Rimorchiatori Napoletani takes delivery of the tug Portosalvo.
Key Developments in Tug Deliveries and Orders
Tug News Roundup – July 11 highlights several recent developments, particularly focusing on Canadian tug designs in various international markets. This week included significant deliveries to Australia and Egypt, along with new orders from Brazil, Colombia, and India. Interestingly, it seems that each of the featured vessels this week shares a common design lineage, all originating from a well-regarded Canadian naval architecture firm, Robert Allan Ltd.
Expanding Fleets: Polestar’s Order from CSL
Polestar Maritime from India has placed an order for two additional 70-tonne bollard pull tugs from Cochin Shipyard Limited, thus expanding its fleet in a notable way. This follows a previous order involving three similar vessels, suggesting confidence in CSL’s construction capabilities. The new tugs will incorporate Robert Allan Ltd’s design, and the construction is a collaborative effort between CSL and its subsidiary Udupi-CSL in Cochin.
Ultratug Colombia Contracts New Vessel From Canadian Designers
On the other hand, Ultratug Colombia is making strides in enhancing their harbor capabilities with a new tug contract, which is again inspired by Canadian designs. This tug measures 24.4 metres in length and is set to be delivered by the end of 2026. The construction aligns with another similar project ongoing for Ultratug Mexico, thereby reinforcing the company’s presence in the region.
Svitzer Secures New Tugs for Brazil Market
Svitzer is also actively investing in its Brazil operations with a recent order for three new tugs from Estaleiro Rio Maguari, clearly aiming to fortify its market share there. The new vessels will be 23.2 metres long and boast impressive specifications, including Fifi-1 firefighting capabilities, signaling a commitment to tackling various operational demands. Their top speed will reach 13 knots, a significant consideration for efficient towage services in Brazilian waters.
New Tug in Service at Port of Newcastle
Another recent delivery of note was Svitzer Australia introducing the tug Svitzer Barrington at the Port of Newcastle. Designed again by Robert Allan Ltd, it has substantial capabilities including a bollard pull of 81 tonnes and escort steering force indicators showing a maximum of 124 tonnes at 10 knots. With its sturdy design, this tug improves operational capacity and response times in harborage, reinforcing Svitzer’s commitment to this critical Australian port.
Egyptian Navy’s Latest Addition to Their Fleet
The Egyptian Navy has also enhanced its fleet with the delivery of a Robert Allan-designed escort tug named Ras Alhekma. Constructed at Alexandria Shipyard, this tug stands as part of a series that demonstrates great performance in escort towing situations. Featuring a length of 32.7 metres and Fifi-1 firefighting capabilities, this vessel is expected to bolster naval operations in ongoing maritime endeavors.
Svitzer’s First Fully Electric Tug Orders
In a notable shift toward sustainability, Svitzer has now introduced its first fully electric tug, showcasing a move towards greener operations. This vessel, measuring 25.4 metres, is designed to minimize environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency. It holds a battery capacity of 1,808 kWh and a bollard pull of 70 tonnes—an impressive specification for an electric vessel, and indicates a bold new direction within the towage industry.
Italian Operator Expands Fleet with New Tug
Finally, Rimorchiatori Napoletani in Italy has received the tug Portosalvo, which is designed to be a vital component in their fleet expansion strategy. As the first of four sisterships, this vessel showcases a pioneering design from Robert Allan Ltd. The tug measures 24.4 metres with robust specs, including a bollard pull of 70 tonnes, reinforcing the operator’s commitment to modern and efficient towage solutions. Two more vessels are already planned for delivery in the next few years, reflecting a strong demand for such services.
The recent tug deliveries and orders underscore a significant trend towards utilizing Canadian designs across the globe. Companies like Svitzer, Ultratug, and Polestar Maritime are clearly focusing on modern design and operational capabilities. Additionally, the growing emphasis on electric vessels indicates a marked shift in the tug industry towards sustainability.
