Svitzer nears 3,000 missions with TRAnsverse class, begins trials of world’s largest electric tug

Svitzer’s three TRAnsverse-class tugboats are approaching 3,000 commercial missions collectively this month, with operations on the water demonstrating strong escort performance, maneuverability and responsiveness.

The milestone comes as Svitzer’s fourth TRAnsverse tug, the 35-meter Svitzer Balder, is delivering its first performance results during sea trials now under way in Turkey.

Svitzer Chief Operating Officer Kasper Karlsen said the TRAnsverse tug has been proving itself across a wide range of operating environments.

“The fact that we are approaching 3,000 towing jobs in an 18-month period, while demonstrating performance both in the confined waterways and locks of IJmuiden, in Amsterdam, and in the world’s largest coal export port, Newcastle in Australia, shows exactly what this vessel is capable of,” Karlsen said.

“Shipping companies are investing heavily in larger, more dynamic and more efficient vessels, while also optimizing their port calls. In this context, tug operations occupy a crucial position, and the TRAnsverse tug allows ports and terminals to maximize vessel capability and productivity within the limits of traditional infrastructure,” he said.

As of March 31, 2026, the 26-meter Svitzer Taurus and the 32-meter Svitzer Barrington and Svitzer Nobbys had completed a combined 2,898 towing jobs in Amsterdam and Newcastle, respectively.

“At both locations, the vessels also face challenging weather, adverse sea states and large ship classes. What has been most rewarding is the feedback from pilots, highlighting the TRAnsverse tug’s superior responsiveness, escort capabilities and maneuverability under those conditions,” Karlsen said.

“That is leading to a reassessment of how tug services, and the TRAnsverse tug in particular, are a valuable enabler for ports and terminals, helping unlock the value of investments made onshore, at the dockside and by shipping companies in supply-chain efficiency and decarbonization.”

Karlsen said the encouraging early performance of Svitzer Balder in sea trials adds to the growing body of operational evidence behind the TRAnsverse design.

Svitzer Balder is set to become the world’s largest electric escort tug and will operate from Gothenburg, Sweden. During sea trials conducted last week at the Uzmar Shipyard, the vessel recorded 88 tonnes of bollard pull and more than 150 tonnes of steering force. Sea trials are continuing.

Karlsen said Svitzer’s newbuilding program reflects confidence in the TRAnsverse tug design and growing customer interest.

More than three-quarters of Svitzer’s current orderbook, which includes more than 20 tugboats, consists of TRAnsverse units, in 26-meter, 29-meter, 32-meter and 35-meter variants, and in electric, hybrid and conventional diesel-powered configurations.

Vessel details

Svitzer Taurus
TRAnsverse 2600 (26 m)
Port of operation: Port of IJmuiden, Amsterdam, Netherlands
A1 escort tug
62 tonnes of bollard pull
IMO Tier III
1,714 towing jobs as of March 31, 2026

Svitzer Barrington and Svitzer Nobbys
TRAnsverse 3200 (32 m)
Port of operation: Port of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
More than 80 tonnes of bollard pull
A1 escort tugs
IMO Tier III
Svitzer Barrington – 569 towing jobs
Svitzer Nobbys – 615 towing jobs
(as of March 31, 2026)

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