SVITZER Australia has signed a contract with Southern Ports Authority for a five-year, non-exclusive towage licence at Port of Bunbury in Western Australia.

The company is to commence towage operations at the port from 6 December 2021.

Svitzer is well ensconced in the state already, with existing operations in Albany, Geraldton, Onslow, Koolan Island, Fremantle and Kwinana.

To service the port, Svitzer is to deploy two newbuilds equipped with fire-fighting capabilities.

Svitzer said it would install solar panels on the tug berth. The company will also use fuel efficiency tools to track and help reduce emissions.

Svitzer Australia general manager, west, Jodie Ransom said Svitzer is a long-standing partner of Southern Ports with its existing towage services in Albany.

“We are excited at the prospect of growing and developing our partnership with Southern Ports and the South West with our entry to Bunbury,” she said.

“We look forward to playing a very tangible role in the port, facilitating trade through the region, in turn supporting the local economy and providing employment opportunities through our operations.”

Svitzer Australia managing director Nicolaj Noes said, “We are pleased to add the Port of Bunbury to our network of ports around the coast, providing safe, efficient and reliable towage services to our customers calling one of the largest regional ports in Australia.

“Svitzer is committed to the future of port sustainability, and with our entry to Bunbury we will look to invest further in sustainable, energy-efficient and nature-driven power options to support our port infrastructure.”

And Southern Ports Authority CEO Steve Lewis said after an extensive tender process, Southern Ports determined Svitzer was best suited to meet the towage requirements at the Port of Bunbury.

“Towage services play a vital role in supporting port operations and assisting in supply chain optimisation,” he said.

“Southern Ports welcomes Svitzer’s investment in new tonnage and the benefits to the port’s customers from this contract in Bunbury.