Australian naval contract heads to Svitzer

Svitzer’s success follows a tendering process by the Australian Department of Defence whereby the Denmark-based towage service provider, part of the Maersk shipping empire secured the Defense Support Package 3 contract. The contract involves provision of towage services for Australia’s naval fleet along with management of naval towage assets and development of naval personnel training in major Australian ports. Svitzer has previously supported the Department of Defence as a towage subcontractor in several Australian ports and has what it describes as ‘a long and proven history in Australia, providing flexible and reliable towage services to the highest industry standards to the Australian Defence maritime community.’ 

Svitzer’s Australian division website indicates a presence in 30 ports in all six Australian states along with operating two tugs at Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. As with all large country-wide tug fleets, flexibility is key for Svitzer with fleet disposition currently around 100 vessels listed as operating in Australia. It is the largest employer of Australian seafarers and states it will continue to promote and support Australian and local maritime industries and jobs as part of the long-term contract.

Svitzer Australia managing director, Nicolaj Noes, said: “We are honoured to be chosen as the trusted partner to provide essential towage services to the Royal Australian Navy as they undertake their vital duty to serve Australia at sea. Our commitment to safety at sea is a core Svitzer value and will underpin the delivery of our towage capability for Defence. We look forward to fostering a strong working relationship with Defence and to providing round-the-clock, responsive support to Navy vessels and personnel as they call at ports around Australia. Being part of the local community is central to Svitzer Australia’s role in the ports we operate in, and we look forward to servicing the Navy and investing in our local communities now and into the future. As part of our contract, we are committed to providing strong and continued support to our local communities with a focus on indigenous engagement, leveraging our local supplier network and partnering with Defence to provide employment opportunities, enriching the Svitzer workforce and enhancing industry capability.”