Svitzer awarded Australian Wheatstone contract

Under the agreement, Svitzer expects to create more than 30 new Australian jobs, including a number of Aboriginal trainees.

Svitzer, part of the A.P. Moller – Maersk Group, will provide four 33m tugs with an 80 tonne bollard pull to assist export vessels during the operational phase of the project at Ashburton North, 12 kilometres west of Onslow in Western Australia. Operated by Australian crews, the ASD tugs will have diesel-electric propulsion systems to provide efficient, safe and environmentally friendly towage and escort capabilities for a period of at least 20 years commencing in 2016. The company will also supply a 17.6m self-righting locally built pilot boat.

Svitzer Australia’s managing director Mark Malone said: “Similar to our existing LNG activities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, our number one priority while assisting carriers calling at Ashburton North will be protecting people, local waters and high value marine assets. As one of the largest maritime employers in Australia, we will draw on a wealth of knowledge from within our existing business to ensure locally employed crews are recruited and trained to operate these high-tech tugs. We are also committed to ongoing training and development and operate an employment and training programme for local indigenous people interested in obtaining marine qualifications.”

The diesel-electric propulsion systems will ensure that the Ashburton tugs are between 15 and 20% more fuel efficient than conventional tugs and will embody many other eco-friendly features. Deck equipment will be electrically operated, ensuring that oil or liquid spillage is reduced to a minimum and double skinned fuel tanks insure against leakage in the event of a collision. Exterior surfaces will be finished in a low sheen paint to reduce water reflection and ‘low-spilling’ sodium deck lights will reduce water penetration and disturbance during night operations. Solar panels will be installed for water heating and there will be a water recycling plant for onboard use.

The tugs have been designed by Svitzer’s global technical team to incorporate a range of safety features required specifically for LNG terminal operations. Among the items incorporated were LNG alarms, remote closing fire flaps and pressurised accommodation. A ‘dynamic’ escort winch with the capability to release the towline under full towing conditions minimises slack rope events and shock loads even in extreme weather. Side pocket ladder systems and wide opening bulwark doors on both sides assist in man overboard (MOB) recovery and a specially designed pilot boarding platform will also be installed.

Svitzer employs about 900 mariners in Australia, operating more than 80 tugs and 100 vessels across 35 Australian ports. The company’s local LNG Division provides towage at the Darwin LNG Terminal and has been contracted for the Chevron operated Gorgon Project’s production phase. Svitzer is also involved in partnerships to facilitate LNG exports at the Pluto and North West Shelf Projects.