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Posted by Allen Newton
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12 Nov, 2026
GLOBAL towage operator Boluda Towage has secured a 10-year contract to provide services at Western Australia's Port of Bunbury, taking over from incumbent operator Svitzer Australia when Svitzer's current contract expires in December.
The contract was awarded by Southern Ports following a competitive tender process and will make Bunbury the ninth Australian port serviced by Boluda and the company's second operation in Western Australia.
Boluda said it would introduce two new tugs to support operations, with the first due to arrive in December 2026 and the second in February 2027. A tug from the company's Esperance fleet will provide interim coverage during the transition period.
Ports minister Stephen Dawson said towage services were critical to maintaining safe and efficient port operations and supporting Western Australia's trade performance.
"The Port of Bunbury alone facilitated 16.9 million tonnes of trade, with 418 vessel visits in the past year," Mr Dawson said.
Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said Boluda's international experience and global backing would support the continued growth of the South West port.
"Having a towage provider with global backing on the scale of Boluda's is a great opportunity as we continue to invest in the expansion of the Port of Bunbury to meet the needs of the growing South West region over the next decade," Mr Wilks said.
Boluda entered the Southern Ports network in 2025 when it took over operations at the Port of Esperance following its acquisition of local operator Mackenzie Marine and Towage.
Boluda Towage Australia managing director Ivan Spanjic said the Bunbury contract strengthened the company's presence in Western Australia and would be supported by two new IMO Tier III-compliant tugs.
"We're investing in the operation with the introduction of two new IMO Tier III-compliant tugs, representing a significant improvement in emissions performance for towage operations in the Port of Bunbury, while delivering safe, reliable and efficient services," Mr Spanjic said.
Svitzer will continue providing towage services at Southern Ports' Port of Albany.
