Svitzer Highlights Fuel Efficiency and Maneuverability Gains in New TRAnsverse Tug Whitepaper

Svitzer has released a white paper confirming the superior performance of its new TRAnsverse tugboat, which, according to the data presented, has the potential to revolutionize towage services at ports and terminals.

Featuring a groundbreaking design, Svitzer’s TRAnsverse tug significantly enhances maneuverability and towing capabilities. In dynamic operations, the TRAnsverse expands its operational capacity by approximately 50% compared to similarly sized or larger ASD tugs. Additionally, the TRAnsverse demonstrated a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency, enabling it to perform a wider range of tasks more quickly and effectively.

Svitzer’s Chief Operating Officer Kasper Karlsen stated, “The TRAnsverse can transform port and terminal towage services by addressing common challenges such as port congestion, increasing vessel sizes, and extreme weather conditions.” He emphasized that the tug can perform all routine vessel maneuvers faster and more effectively, helping reduce port delays and supply chain disruptions.

Daniel Cohen, Svitzer’s President in Brazil, added that the TRAnsverse represents a new chapter in port sector innovation. “This model offers unprecedented maneuverability. High port demand increases pressure for shorter port stays and more efficient operations. At the same time, vessel sizes have increased while port areas remain unchanged — requiring more power in the same operational space. In this challenging scenario, the TRAnsverse stands out as a ready-to-deploy technological solution to meet the demands of modern ports. We look forward to testing this technology in Brazil shortly.”

The TRAnsverse tug’s design marks a significant leap in tugboat engineering. Its operational capabilities are based on several unique design features that allow it to maneuver and operate in ways unmatched by other models. Svitzer, in collaboration with naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd., has patented the TRAnsverse design.

Key Performance Highlights:

• Superior Bollard Pull in Direct and Indirect Towage:
• The TRAnsverse delivers superior bollard pull across a wide range of speeds during arrival and departure maneuvers, reducing both time and fuel consumption needed to achieve the desired rate of turn (ROT) for assisted vessels. It can generate approximately 50% more force than a conventional ASD tug of similar size and engine power in direct and indirect towage modes.
• Pushing and Lateral Shifting:
• The TRAnsverse’s ability to push and shift laterally under flare enables it to perform these maneuvers more efficiently, saving time and fuel. It can deliver effective lateral pushes at speeds up to 10 knots, responding quickly to pilot commands and maintaining position without losing traction—something a conventional ASD tug would struggle with at such speeds.
• Enhanced Maneuverability:
• The TRAnsverse’s superior maneuverability reduces the engine power required to position the vessel during operations, contributing to overall operational efficiency.
• Hydrodynamic Force Optimization:
• The enhanced design allows the TRAnsverse to harness hydrodynamic forces more effectively during towage, adding braking power and allowing for usable hydrodynamic forces at lower speeds than traditional tug designs.
• Improved Transition Capability:
• The TRAnsverse provides smoother transitions during direct towage, such as moving from a 6 to a 3 o’clock towing position. This shift requires less power, time, and fuel than other tug designs.

With its state-of-the-art features and performance benefits, the TRAnsverse tug represents a major innovation in maritime operations, tailored to meet the evolving challenges of modern port environments.

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