KOTUG news from Australia and the UK

Towage operations in the port of Port Hedland in Western Australia will be expanded by Teekay on behalf of BHPB Billiton Minerals.

The brand new 84 tonnes bollard pull tugs RT Rotation, RT Sensation and RT Inspiration will be supplied under contract from KOTUG and will join three other Rotor Tugs already in operation at the port. Teekay Shipping currently provides crewing and technical management services to BHPB, which now boasts a fleet of 14 tugs in what the mining sector regards as Australia’s busiest port.

Managing director of Teekay Shipping Australia, David Parmeter, said the new charter was a great vote of confidence in Teekay’s operations, adding: “It demonstrates our ability to work with BHPB Minerals to ensure the port’s towage operations safely and effectively meet current and projected demand.”

The Port Hedland Port Authority is forecasting an increase in throughput results rising from 247 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2012 to nearly 500 mtpa by 2017.

Teekay and KOTUG’s close working relationship, particularly in Port Hedland, has been further consolidated by the establishment of joint venture company KT Maritime Services Australia, created in July 2012. KOTUGcurrently operates over 40 tugs located in the Netherlands, Germany, Australia and Africa. Teekayoperates a total of 16 tugs in Australia, located in Port Hedland and Hay Point (Queensland).

Currently, KT Maritime is actively engaged in working with owners and proponents on a number of Australia’s key resource projects. The new trio, RT Rotation, RT Sensation and RT Inspiration were constructed at the ASL Shipyard in Singapore and were delivered direct to Australia.

Operations on Thames

KOTUG has announced its intention to establish a new towage operation in the UK based on the River Thames. Commencing in June 2013 a full 24/7 service, supported by local management, will be available to assist shipping at the terminals of Shell Haven, Oikos, Calor Gas and Thames Oilport/Coryton.

The announcement stated: “In cooperation with ship managers, terminal operators and local agencies we are happy to be in a position to offer you our services combining the skills of our highly trained and dedicated crew with a sophisticated and young fleet of powerful tugs. As a fast growing maritime towage company we are developing our services to ports and terminals in Europe, Australia and Africa. Following the start of our operation in Wilhelmshaven mid-2012 and in Cameroon at the beginning of 2013, a dedicated operation in the United Kingdom represents a new step in the global activities of our company.”

Svitzer are currently the only major provider of shiphandling services on London’s river and estuary, with tugs stationed at Gravesend and Sheerness. As yet no formal announcement has been made regarding the provision of towage services at the DP World London Gateway Port, due to commence operation in the final quarter of this year.