Svitzer set to start towing operations in Rotterdam

Maersk Group's towing arm will begin operations at Europe's largest port on 1 June from a base in Maasvlakte, with an initial fleet comprising SVITZER Nari, SVITZER Hutton, SVITZER Thor, SVITZER Muiden and Brent and Ginger which are long-term chartered from Iskes.

All of the tugs will be focused on harbour towage services, but have salvage capabilities to compliment Svitzer's salvage base in Holland, a short distance from Rotterdam at IJmuiden.

The new 100%-Svitzer operation follows similar startups in two German ports as the company continues to review its opportunities in Europe and the rest of the World.

Peter Rondhuis, managing director, Svitzer Continental Europe, commented: "With the Maasvlakte II close to opening, we see a bright future for Rotterdam and we want to be part of the future and look forward working together with all stakeholders in the port. With our current contracted customers we have a strong foundation for our operations and will be able to offer our services to a broad variety of companies operating in the Port of Rotterdam."

Rotterdam comfortably maintained its position as Europe's largest port with a slight increase in volumes in 2013.