TUGBOAT Svitzer Bondi has arrived at the Port of Devonport to join TasPorts’ north-west marine fleet.
The fleet has been down by two tugboats after the cement carrier Goliath allided with two berthed tugs (York Cove and Campbell Cove) at Devonport on 28 January.
TasPorts chief operating officer Stephen Casey said the tug arrived on Sunday and it would 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 eight-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.”
Mr Casey said Svitzer Bondi departed Sydney Harbour with a six-person TasPorts crew on Friday morning, after the crew had completed initial familiarisation exercises and prepared the vessel for sea. He said the vessel arrived at Devonport just after lunchtime on Sunday after the journey of more than 50 hours.
Following its 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 several 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,” Mr Casey said.
“Bondi’s arrival demonstrates TasPorts commitment to the continuity of safe marine services across our multi-port system.”
