Svitzer extends Suez tug contract

Svitzer, part of Maersk, has been providing towage services in the Suez Canal since late 2019 with the two tugs Port Said 1 and Port Said 2. From Q4 2021, two new 70-plus tonne bollard pull tugs will begin operating out of Port Suez by the Red Sea entrance to the canal.  

Nicolai Vinther Friis, managing director Svitzer AMEA, said that the Suez Canal was the world’s most important global trade artery. “I am honoured that the Suez Canal Authority has awarded Svitzer an extension of the existing contract – it is testament of our trusted relationship and much valued collaboration with the SCA,” he said.

The two tugs are newbuilds delivered from the Cheoy Lee Shipyard and will be manned by all Egyptian crews. Operations are planned to start in Q4 2021. 

With a fleet of more than 85 vessels operating in seven ports and 11 terminals across 12 countries, Svitzer is a leading towage provider in the Africa, Middle East & Asia region.