Tug News Roundup: Canadian Designs Driving Global Deliveries and…

Recent tug deliveries include one for Australia and another for the Egyptian Navy.
Polestar Maritime has ordered two new tugs from Cochin Shipyard.
Ultratug Colombia is expanding its fleet with a new harbour tug.
Svitzer has ordered three new tugs for its operations in Brazil.
Svitzer Australia welcomed a new harbour tug called Svitzer Barrington.
The Egyptian Navy received its new escort tug Ras Alhekma designed by Robert Allan.
Svitzer introduced its first fully electric tug, enhancing eco-friendly operations.
Rimorchiatori Napoletani took delivery of a new tug named Portosalvo.

Growing Demand for Canadian-Designed Tugs

Deliveries and orders in the tugboat sector are on the rise, particularly focusing on Canadian designs this week. Recent deliveries were made to an Australian towage company as well as the Egyptian Navy. Interestingly, all five featured tugs this week were designed by the Canadian firm Robert Allan Ltd. This company continues to make a significant impact in various global markets, including Australia and Egypt, while new orders are popping up in India, Brazil, and Colombia. The trend shows both an increase in demand for these vessels and a recognition of the robust designs coming from Canada.

Polestar Maritime Invests in New Tugs

Polestar Maritime has taken a noteworthy step by ordering two new tugs from Cochin Shipyard Limited in India. These tugs will each have a pull capacity of 70 tonnes, adding to a previous order for three similar vessels placed by Polestar. Both orders are part of a broader strategy to enhance operational capabilities in the region, particularly in India’s expanding towage market. The tugs would be constructed in Cochin, showcasing local shipbuilding talent in collaboration with Canadian design expertise.

Svitzer and Ultratug Strengthen Fleet

Another exciting development is the order placed by Ultratug Colombia for a new harbour tug, designed by Robert Allan Ltd, with delivery estimated for the third quarter of 2026. Notably, this new tug will measure 24.4 metres in length and will be constructed as a sister vessel to another currently in progress for Ultratug Mexico. Meanwhile, Svitzer continues to strengthen its Brazilian operations by signing contracts for three new tugs, aimed at revitalizing its fleet and positioning itself more favorably with local clientele. Each of these 23.2-metre tugs not only features impressive speed and towing capabilities but also includes firefighting equipment, demonstrating a commitment to safety and operational integrity.

International Developments in Tug Deliveries

Further highlighting the advancements in tugboat operations, Svitzer Australia has recently introduced its first of two new tugs at the Port of Newcastle. The Svitzer Barrington, built by Robert Allan Ltd, possesses robust specifications enabling it to reach operational speeds of up to 14.4 knots, exhibiting remarkable bollard pull capabilities. On the international front, the Egyptian Navy also celebrated the delivery of its first escort and terminal support tug, named Ras Alhekma, which is part of a series designed specifically for enhancing escort towing operations. With a gross tonnage of 498, this vessel underscores the growing reliance on top-notch Canadian designs in the naval sector.

Innovation and Sustainability in Tug Design

Adding another innovative layer, Svitzer has launched its first fully electric tug, which marks a significant step toward sustainability in the maritime industry. This tug, too, is based on a Canadian design from Robert Allan Ltd, reflecting a trend towards greener operational practices. In a similar vein, Italian operator Rimorchiatori Napoletani has received its new diesel-powered tug Portosalvo, part of a promising series equipped with the latest emission-compliant engines. The tug’s features also emphasize propulsion efficiency, which points toward a more environmentally aware future in tugboat design and operation.

This week’s tug news has spotlighted a series of exciting developments in both deliveries and orders, focusing heavily on the influence of Canadian designs in global markets. Companies like Polestar Maritime and Svitzer are clearly investing in advanced vessels to meet increasing operational demands. With a blend of traditional and innovative designs being embraced, the tugboat industry seems to be gearing up for a robust future.