Svitzer’s first three TRAnsverse tugs near 3,000 commercial tug job total

Svitzer Barrington TRAnsverse tug. [Image: Svitzer]

Copenhagen, headquartered towage specialist Svitzer reports that its three TRAnsverse class tugboats are approaching completion of 3,000 commercial tug jobs, with on-water operations showing superior escort capability, maneuverability and responsiveness.

The milestone comes as Svitzer’s fourth TRAnsverse tug, the 35-meter Svitzer Balder, demonstrates impressive early performance in sea trials underway in Turkey.

Svitzer COO Kasper Karlsen, said the TRAnsverse tug is impressing in a variety of operational contexts.

“That we are nearing 3,000 tug jobs in an 18-month period and able to demonstrate performance in both the confined waterways and locks of IJumiden, Amsterdam and the largest export coal port of the world in Newcastle, Australia, shows just what the vessel is capable of,” Karlsen said. “Shipping lines are investing significantly in more dynamic, efficient and larger vessels, as well as optimizing their port calls. In this environment, towage sits at a critical interface, and the TRAnsverse tug allows ports and terminals to maximise vessel capabilities and capacity within traditional infrastructure limits.”

As of March 31, 2026, the 26-meter Svitzer Taurus and 32-meter Svitzer Barrington and Svitzer Nobbys had completed a collective 2,898 tug jobs in Amsterdam and Newcastle respectively.

“In both locations, the vessels also compete with challenging weather, sea states and large vessel classes,” said Karlsen. “Most pleasing has been the feedback from pilots highlighting the TRAnsverse tug’s superior responsiveness, escort capabilities and maneuverability in these conditions. It is driving a rethink of how towage – and in particular the TRAnsverse tug – is a valuable enabler for ports and terminals and unlocks investment made landside, quayside and by shipping lines in supply chain efficiency and decarboniation.”

Karlsen said the encouraging early sea trial performance of Svitzer Balder added to the growing set of operational proof to the TRAnsverse design.

Svitzer Balder will be the world’s largest electric escort tug, operating out of Gothenburg, Sweden. The vessel recorded 88 tonne of bollard pull and more than 150 tonnes of steering force in sea trials with Uzmar Shipyard last week. Sea trials continue.

Karlsen noted that Svitzer’s forward new build program reflects confidence in the TRAnsverse tug design and interest from customers.

More than three quarters of the vessels in Svitzer’s current 20 plus tug order book are TRAnsverse tugs, in size variations of 26, 29, 32 and 35 meters long and in electric, hybrid and conventional diesel-powered configurations.