Towing and maritime service provider Svitzer has started operations at the Port of Itaqui in Sao Luis, Maranhoo, Brazil.
The company’s investment amounts to more than 650 million reals (approximately $125 million) over nine years.
The Port of Itaqui is a crucial logistics hub within the Brazilian port complex, essential for the Central-North and Central Brazil corridors.
Equipped with advanced facilities including grain and fuel storage, deep berths for large ships and multi-modal transport links, the port plays a crucial role in the economic growth of the region and the country.
Arjen Van Dijk, Managing Director of Svitzer Americas, said: “The Port of Itaqui serves as a crucial hub for cargo from the Corredor Centro-Norte and the Central West region of Brazil.
“We are proud to serve our customers while supporting the continued development of Brazil’s national trade and logistics.”
This expansion strengthens Svitzer’s coastal presence and adds to operations in eight other Brazilian ports.
Svitzer’s Maranhoo venture is supported by two tugboats, the Svitzer Denise and Svitzer Joaquim R.
These Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) models are designed to meet the operational requirements of the ports of Itaqui, Ponta da Madeira and Alumar, ensuring safe maneuvers.
Svitzer Brazil’s fleet consists of 22 tugs and three more ASD vessels are under construction. These ships were designed by Robert Allan and are being built at the Rio Maguari shipyard in Belem, Para.
Daniel Cohen, President of Svitzer Brazil, said: “Our entry into yet another new port underlines our long-term commitment to the Brazilian market.
“Itaqui is the largest public port in the north and northeast of Brazil and ranks fourth in the entire country. It is a strategic hub for regional production and exports, including iron ore and soybeans.”
In May, Svitzer announced the delivery of Svitzer Babitonga, the last in a series of six ships from the 2300 Rampart Series.
Last year, Svitzer introduced the IMO Tier III compliant tug Svitzer Jubilee into the Port of Tyne. This Damen ASD tugboat is equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system (SCR) to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
“Svitzer Launches Towing Services at the Port of Sao Luis in Brazil” was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a brand owned by GlobalData.
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