It has been a busy few weeks for Svitzer with its second naming ceremony to report in this edition of ‘MJ’ on this occasion concerning two tugs for Sydney Harbour.
On the opposite side of the world to the naming of Svitzer Kent in London, Svitzer’s global CEO Henriette Thygesen was again present, this time at the Australian National Maritime Museum to host the naming of Svitzer Bondi and Svitzer Waratah. The former will work in Port Jackson supporting bulk carriers, tankers and the expanding cruise ship industry, the latter in Botany Bay at Australia’s second largest container port.
The ceremony had a local community theme with Gadigal Elder Uncle Chicka Madden presenting the Welcome to Country and Elder Max Eulo carrying out a traditional Smoking Ceremony. Kathryn Holliday, wife of Sydney harbourmaster Philip Holliday christened Svitzer Waratah while Caltex Australia’s marine advisor Captain Megan Arnott named Svitzer Bondi. Co-hosting the event with Ms Thygesen was managing director of Svitzer Australia, Steffan Risager.
Also present were senior members of Svitzer’s management team from Australia and Denmark along with representatives from port authorities, shipping companies and major exporting and importing companies.For the tugs themselves the ceremony marked a re-naming. Svitzer Bondi and Svitzer Waratah were previously part of the fleet of Geraldton, Western Australia-based Bhagwan Marine as Bhagwan Pride and Bhagwan Power respectively.
Both are Damen vessels, Svitzer Bondi an ASD 2310 of 48tbp, Svitzer Waratah a larger ASD 2810 of 59tbp.Mrs Thygesen stated: ‘This is an important day for Svitzer Australia … Acquired as part of our ongoing fleet renewal program, the arrival of these two impressive tugs underscores our long-term commitment to Sydney and the port community that services it.
Importantly, this significant investment by Svitzer will ensure that we can continue to provide our customers with the safe, reliable service they have to expect from us.’
By Peter Barker
SOURCE: Maritime Journal
See more at: http://www.maritimejournal.com/news101/tugs,-towing-and-salvage/svitzer-invests-in-sydneys-port-towage#sthash.2vb8tIHj.dpuf
