New fuel-efficient tugs on order for Newcastle Harbour

Port Authority of NSW has welcomed the news that marine services company Svitzer will invest in two new state-of-the-art, 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.

“We are thrilled to see industry-led emissions solutions being introduced into the ports of New South Wales,” said Captain Holliday.

“Svitzer’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.

“According to Svitzer, the new tugs will deliver an estimated 10-15% fuel use reduction when compared to other tugs on the market.

“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.

“We look forward to welcoming the new fuel-efficient tugs to Newcastle in 2025.”

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.

“Newcastle sees a range of vessels calling from capesize vessels carrying coal, to bulk, container, and cruise ships. The complexity of Newcastle’s towage operations and range of vessels that call on the port will showcase the full range of the TRAnsverse tugs’ capabilities,” said Mr Noes.

Svitzer is a global towage provider and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk.

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.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Svitzer

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