Teekay Boosts Towage Operations in Port Hedland

Teekay Shipping Australia has boosted towage operations in the Port of Port Hedland in Western Australia, chartering three more 80+ bollard pull tonne Rotor®Tugs on behalf of BHPB Billiton Minerals.

The 'RT Rotation', 'RT Sensation' and 'RT Inspiration', supplied under contract from KOTUG International, will join three powerful Rotor®Tugs already operating in the Port.

Teekay Shipping currently provides crewing and technical management services to BHPB, which now boasts a fleet of 14 tugs in what the mining sector regards as Australia's busiest port.

Managing Director of Teekay Shipping Australia, David Parmeter, said the new charter was a great vote of confidence in Teekay's operations.

"It demonstrates our ability to work with BHPB Minerals to ensure the Port’s towage operations safely and effectively meet current and projected demand," Mr Parmeter said.

The Port Hedland Port Authority is forecasting an increase in throughput results from 247 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in 2012, to nearly 500 mtpa by 2017.

Teekay and KOTUG's close working relationship, particularly in Port Hedland, has been further solidified by the establishment of joint venture company KT Maritime Services Australia, created in July 2012.

Mr Parmeter said the partnership was "an opportunity to combine the mutually beneficial strengths within Teekay and KOTUG."

"On one hand Teekay is a proven Australian operator of tankers, bulk carriers, FPSOs, FSOs, tugs and a diverse range of specialised vessels for both commercial and government applications.

"Conversely, KOTUG is a world leader in the tug boat industry and has been consistently recognised and awarded by its peers over the past 25 years. It is widely regarded by the international maritime community as a world class, highly innovative marine towage service provider," he said.

Currently, KT Maritime is actively engaged in working with owners and proponents on a number of Australia's key resource projects.

KOTUG currently owns over 40 tugs located in Australia, the Netherlands, Germany and Africa. Teekay operates a total of 16 tugs in Australia, located in Port Hedland and Hay Point (Queensland).