SVITZER Abrolhos arrived at the Port of Geraldton on 5 January and was welcomed with a water display from other tugs based at the port.

The vessel is the second of three new tugs for Mid West Ports and the Port of Geraldton.

The TRAktor 2800 tug measures 30 metres in length, has advanced firefighting capabilities onboard, and a bollard pull of 70.72 tonnes. It is the first of two designs to be delivered,

In 2019, in conjunction with Mid West Ports, Svitzer Australia held a community naming competition in which Svitzer Abrolhos was named in honour of the island group off the coast of Geraldton.

The three new vessels will not only extend the existing capability for the Port but also provide greater capability during heightened weather conditions and in the event of an emergency.

The final of the new fleet, Svitzer Wilu is due to arrive in Geraldton next month. Once all three tugs arrive, a naming ceremony will be held with winners of the naming competition.