Teekay Shipping Australia boosts towage services in Port Hedland to meet growing throughput at Australia’s busiest port.
The 80+ tonne bollard pull tugs 'RT Rotation', 'RT Sensation' and 'RT Inspiration', supplied under contract from KOTUG International, will join three powerful Rotor®Tugs already operating in the port, which the mining industry now regards as the busiest in Australia. The Port Hedland Port Authority is forecasting an increase in throughput results from 247 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2012, to nearly 500 mtpa by 2017.
Teekay Shipping currently provides crewing and technical management services to BHPB, which now boasts a fleet of 14 tugs. Managing Director of Teekay Shipping Australia, David Parmeter, said the new charter was a great vote of confidence in Teekay's operations. "It demonstrates our ability to work with BHPB Minerals to ensure the Port’s towage operations safely and effectively meet current and projected demand."
Teekay and KOTUG's close working relationship, particularly in Port Hedland, has been further solidified by the establishment of joint venture company KT Maritime Services Australia, created in July 2012.
Mr Parmeter continued: "The partnership was an opportunity to combine the mutually beneficial strengths within Teekay and KOTUG. On one hand Teekay is a proven Australian operator of tankers, bulk carriers, FPSOs, FSOs, tugs and a diverse range of specialised vessels for both commercial and government applications. Conversely, KOTUG is a world leader in the tug boat industry and has been consistently recognised and awarded by its peers over the past 25 years. It is widely regarded by the international maritime community as a world class, highly innovative marine towage service provider."