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New tugs optimise performance

Arrium and towage provider Svitzer have introduced newer, more powerful tugs to help optimise the overall performance of the Whyalla port operations. Arrium general manager Whyalla port Jon Hobbs said these tugs – ‘Larrakia’ and ‘Ginga’ – would bring enhanced safety and capability to the port. “These new tugs, together with the existing tugs – ‘Tarpan’ and ‘Wistari’ – now become a dedicated fleet for our operations, eliminating the delays we previously experienced from tugs being ‘out of port’,” he said. “They are also larger and more powerful, meaning a greater resilience to poor weather. "Together with their improved speed and manoeuvrability, this means greater efficiencies for shipowners in the Whyalla port.” Mr Hobbs said other improvements associated with the new tugs included improved shore facilities, and a trained and experienced crew; all underpinned by a stronger business partnership with Arrium. “This is yet another vital element in ensuring we can maximise the benefits from our newly expanded Whyalla port, which continues to perform to expectations,” Mr Hobbs said. “In particular, we are looking forward to our transhipping partners CSL also seeing improved results from this new tug fleet.” Svitzer’s South Australian general manager Robert Chignell said the new tugs would bring about significant improvements. “The increased power and flexibility of these tugs will mean we are now able to support the growing export requirements of the Whyalla port,” he said. “Our mariners have the skills and we have the tugs to carry out the required harbour movements and transshipment operations in the safest possible manner.” Svitzer Australia operates more than 80 tugs across 35 Australian ports; specialising in harbour and terminal towage, and tug and barge operations. Source : whyallanewsonline