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Posted by Dale Crisp
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11 Nov, 2026
PORT MORESBY-based Pacific Towage (PacTow) has received the first of a pair of ASD tugs from China, which will be the newest and most powerful in its fleet.
PacTow, which is part of Steamships’ logistics division within the Swire Group, welcomed Pacific Responder on Friday [6 November] at the conclusion of a 27-day, 4,400-nautical-mile delivery voyage that began in Zhenjiang, China, on 11 October.
The tug first sailed to Zhoushan, then to the Philippines for fuel, supplies, equipment and a crew change, before proceeding to PNG via the waters north of Australia and the Torres Strait and arriving safely in Port Moresby.
After completing customs clearance, Pacific Responder proceeded to PacTow’s dedicated tug base and headquarters at Motukea, escorted by PacTow tugs Keera and Tavurvur.
PacTow says the voyage included periods of challenging sea conditions, particularly during the passage from China to the Philippines, where the tug encountered heavy swells and strong winds.
Pacific Responder is expected to commence harbour towage duties in Port Moresby once all necessary permits have been obtained and compliance requirements met, including completion of comprehensive crew training.
The company says the tug will enhance towage capabilities in Port Moresby and help support increasing shipping activity associated with PNG’s growing economy.
Pacific Responder is one of two new-build tugs commissioned by PacTow as part of a PGK70 million investment in its fleet. The second tug, Pacific Resolute, is currently en route to PNG. The azimuthing stern drive tugs have bollard pulls of 70 and 67 tonnes respectively.
Steamships Marine Logistics GM Alistair Skingley said the investment represented a significant commitment to strengthening the company’s marine services and supporting the future needs of PNG’s shipping industry.
“An investment of PGK70 million in these two harbour towage tugs is a significant commitment by Steamships to Pacific Towing, our customers and the future of PNG’s maritime industry.
“Pacific Responder and Pacific Resolute will give PacTow greater capacity to support shipping companies operating in PNG, including those bringing larger vessels into our ports. They will also strengthen the reliability, safety and range of towage services we can provide to our customers,” Mr Skingley said.
“The introduction of these vessels will also provide opportunities for ongoing training and capability development for our PNG maritime workforce.
“This investment ensures PacTow remains well positioned to support PNG’s ports and shipping industry as trade volumes and vessel sizes continue to grow.”
PacTow is facing greater competition in harbour and coastal towage with the Engage/ABL joint venture with local investors, Crest Tugs, introducing six tugs across several ports.
