TUG company Svitzer has welcomed a new vessel to its fleet in the Hunter.
Svitzer Nobbys arrived at the Port of Newcastle on Sunday, joining a sister tug, Svitzer Barrington, as the second TRAnsverse 3200 tug in its Australian fleet and among the first of its kind globally.
“With an 80-tonne bollard pull, Svitzer Nobbys delivers world-class power and precision,” the company said in a statement.
The tugs were built at UZMAR Shipyards and designed by Robert Allan Ltd.
According to Svitzer, the TRAnsverse tug represents “a step-change in towage technology, combining cutting-edge manoeuvrability, greater fuel efficiency and enhanced safety for crews and customers”.
Its arrival “strengthens maritime capability in Australia, ensuring safer, faster, and more sustainable port operations for the future”.
Speaking last month, Svitzer Australia chief operating officer David Phillips said the TRAnsverse 3200 tugs represented “a generational advancement in towage standards, innovation and performance”
“This tug class is purpose-built for versatility and power, maintaining high steering and braking forces through a range of movements without losing the dynamism or responsiveness required by marine pilots,” he said.
Mr Phillips said the TRAnsverse 3200 tugs would help Australian ports “operate to the highest levels of safety, efficiency and in a way that helps our maritime sector grow in a more sustainable world”.
Port of Newcastle chief executive Craig Carmody said towage provided a critical service, ensuring the safety and reliability of shipping and port operations.
“The new TRAnsverse tug class represents a significant uplift in capability, further enhancing the Port of Newcastle’s resilience and growth into the future,” Mr Carmody said.