Boluda Towage says it has reached an agreement to buy the Dutch towage operator Smit Lamnalco, which will make it the world’s leading towage operator.
The move will allow the firm to strengthen its presence in ‘strategic’ markets such as Australia, the Middle East and West Africa, the company says, with a fleet of 600 tugboats and an intervention capacity in 50 countries and 148 ports around the globe.
The acquisition is still awaiting approval in several countries.
“This new stage is the logical consequence of previous evolutions that, over the last few years, have made us number one in port logistics services and in the towage sector,” said Boluda Corporation chairman Vicente Boluda Fos. “The industry is at a turning point, impacted by the climate emergency and geopolitical tensions. Shipping is at the centre of these issues, facing challenges like never before. As a global leader, we are aware of our responsibilities and we will continue to commit to sustainable development, which benefits society and its development.”
“Smit Lamnalco is a solid company with more than 55 years of operational experience, present in more than 20 countries and with more than 1,600 employees worldwide. I have no doubt that this operation will be fruitful for both parties and especially for our customers who will benefit from a consolidated team, a diversified offer, and a greater capacity for intervention and innovation,” said Boluda Towage deputy chairman Vicente Boluda Ceballos.
