TasPorts welcomes tug Svitzer Bondi to Devonport
TasPorts has welcomed new tug, Svitzer Bondi to its north-west marine fleet, based in Devonport
Posted
11 March 2022
Following the incident in late January, where cement carrier Goliath collided with two TasPorts tugs at the Port of Devonport (York Cove and Campbell Cove), TasPorts is pleased to welcome towage vessel Svitzer Bondi to its north-west marine fleet.
TasPorts Chief Operating Officer Stephen Casey said the tug arrived on Sunday and will play a critical role in supporting ongoing shipping and safety requirements at the Port of Devonport.
“Svitzer Bondi was selected after a review of available tug assets around Australia and will join the fleet on a 12-month charter, whilst a longer-term arrangement is confirmed,” Mr Casey said.
“At 23 metres in length and 10 metres in width, with a bollard pull of 47-tonnes, the 8-year-old Svitzer Bondi was named after Sydney’s iconic beach and prior to joining the TasPorts fleet could regularly be spotted towing tankers, bulk vessels, and (pre-COVID) cruise vessels around Sydney Harbour."
“On Friday morning, after completing initial familiarisation exercises and preparing the vessel for sea, the Svitzer Bondi departed Sydney Harbour with a six person TasPorts crew, for the 50+ hour journey to Devonport, arriving into port just prior to lunchtime on Sunday,” he said.
Following her arrival, TasPorts north-west towage crews will undertake further training on the vessel, to ensure they are familiar with its manoeuvrability. This will include supporting a number of vessel movements in and out of the Port of Devonport over the coming weeks.
“The vessel is a modern and reliable addition to the fleet, which will suit the unique environment at the Port of Devonport. Bondi’s arrival demonstrates TasPorts commitment to the continuity of safe marine services across our multi-port system,” Mr Casey said.
