IN March 2021 global towage operator Svitzer Europe received from Damen Shipyards Group the new tug Svitzer Thames, an 80-ton bollard pull azimuth stern drive (ASD) tug, to support its operations in the Port of London.

Svitzer Thames started operating immediately upon arrival. At more than 32m long and with a beam of almost 13m, Svitzer Thames will be equipped with the power and manoeuvrability to be able to handle the very largest of container vessels calling at the Port of London.

The new vessel adds further efficiency and capability to the service provided by Svitzer in one of Europe’s most important shipping hubs.

Commenting on the delivery of the vessel, Lise Demant, Managing Director for Svitzer Europe, said: “Svitzer Thames is a particularly welcome addition to our London fleet, enabling us to upgrade and improve our already excellent service in one of Europe’s most crucial ports.

“Her delivery comes at a perfect time to support our ambitions of even greater service quality and growth for the new decade.”

Maurice McKeating, Managing Director of Svitzer UK South, added: “Svitzer Thames’ capabilities make her ideally suited to service the range of vessels that call at the Port of London, and particularly the increasingly large container vessels that are delivering cargo to one of the UK’s busiest ports.”

Photo by Fraser Gray