New towage service provider selected for four Australian ports

Western Australia-based towage operator Engage Marine has been awarded a new contract to supply towage services to ports in Townsville, Lucinda, Cairns, and Mourilyan in Queensland following a commercial tender process.

The contract awarded by Port of Townsville and Ports North stipulates that Engage Marine will take over the provision of towage services from current operators Smit Lamnalco Towage Australia and Svitzer Australia.

Engage Marine Chief Executive Officer Mark Malone expects the company will take delivery of three newbuild ASD tugs before the end of this year. These will help in the fulfilment of the contract, which requires a fleet of seven tugs to serve all four ports.

The company will also acquire a number of secondhand tugs. Following these acquisitions, Engage Marine will have an owned vessel fleet of more than 20. The company's total fleet, which will also include vessels managed on behalf of clients, will number over 40.

Offices and other shoreside facilities will be established in Townsville and Cairns to support the tugs' operations.