TRAnsverse tugs near 3000 commercial jobs

SVITZER says its three TRAnsverse class tugboats are approaching 3000 collective commercial tug jobs this month, with on-water operations reportedly showing superior escort capability, manoeuvrability, and responsiveness.

The milestone comes as Svitzer’s fourth TRAnsverse tug, the 35-metre Svitzer Balder, demonstrates early performance in sea trials underway in Turkey.

Svitzer chief operating officer, Kasper Karlsen, said the TRAnsverse tug was impressing in several operational contexts.

“That we are nearing 3000 tug jobs in an 18-month period and able to demonstrate performance in both the confined waterways and locks of IJumiden, Amsterdam and the largest export coal port of the world in Newcastle, Australia, shows just what the vessel is capable of,” Mr Karlsen said.

“Shipping lines are investing significantly in more dynamic, efficient, and larger vessels, as well as optimising their port calls. In this environment, towage sits at a critical interface, and the TRAnsverse tug allows ports and terminals to maximise vessel capabilities and capacity within traditional infrastructure limits.”

As of 31 March 2026, 26 metre Svitzer Taurus and 32 metre Svitzer Barrington and Svitzer Nobbys had completed a collective 2,898 tug jobs in Amsterdam and Newcastle respectively.

“In both locations, the vessels also compete with challenging weather, sea states, and large vessel classes. Most pleasing has been the feedback from Pilots highlighting the TRAnsverse tug’s superior responsiveness, escort capabilities, and manoeuvrability in these conditions,” Mr Karlsen said.

“It is driving a rethink of how towage — and in particular the TRAnsverse tug — is a valuable enabler for ports and terminals and unlocks investment made landside, quayside and by shipping lines in supply chain efficiency and decarbonisation.”

Svitzer Barrington at work. Image: Svitzer

Mr Karlsen said the encouraging early sea trial performance of Svitzer Balder added to the growing set of operational proof to the TRAnsverse design.

Svitzer Balder will be the world’s largest electric escort tug, operating out of Gothenburg, Sweden. The vessel recorded some 88 tonnes of bollard pull and more than 150 tonnes of steering force in sea trials with Uzmar Shipyard last week.

Sea trials are said to be continuing.

Mr Karlsen said Svitzer’s forward new build program reflects confidence in the TRAnsverse tug design and interest from customers.

More than three quarters of Svitzer’s current 20 plus tug order book are said to be TRAnsverse tugs, in size variations of 26m, 29m, 32m and 35m; and electric, hybrid and conventional diesel-powered configurations.