A welcome return for the tug, towage and salvage industry’s premier event

Now in its 26th outing, this biennial event did not disappoint. Alongside the convention, exhibition and awards, an outstanding social programme included an Opening Drinks Reception, Tug Presentation and mini-cruise on the Bosphorus, and a stunning Dinner & Awards at the 5-star Swissotel. 

More than 1,200 industry colleagues attended the three-day event to discuss, debate and analyse the latest commercial, operational, regulatory and technical advances.

ITS 2022 was officially opened on Wednesday 28th September by Recep Duzgit, Vice Chairman of the Board of Turkish Chamber of Shipping, Salih Zeki Cakir, President of the Assembly, IMEAK Chamber of Shipping and an opening delegation comprising Matt Rayson, Global Industry Manager, Caterpillar Marine, Steve Labdon, Managing Director and Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations both from Riviera, the organiser.

With over 55 companies exhibiting, the Exhibition Hall provided an excellent opportunity for buyers and sellers to come together and explore all the latest technologies and solutions on hand in one place.

The Conference Programme, known for its range and depth of subject matter, saw delegates explore the key themes, “Maintaining safe, profitable and environmentally sustainable tug operations”, through a variety of technical presentations, case studies, panel debates, one-to-one interviews and Q&A sessions with prominent field experts.

The overriding trends throughout the three-day programme were sector decarbonisation, future investments in green propulsion and efficient tugs, crew training and support and digitalisation technologies. Delegates were able to submit audience questions to our experts during the sessions, ensuring focus was relevant and timely.

Social functions included an opportunity to view some of the very latest tugs on offer to international buyers, including access to the engine rooms and wheelhouses on these tugs.

Moored at the quayside were Navtek Naval Technologies’ designed all-electric harbour tug Gisas Power, Uzmar-built, Robert Allan RAstar 3200W azimuth stern drive tugboat, Anka 6 and Sanmar-built and renovated Armutlu.

A reception concluded aboard Le Vapeur Magique where Damen shared an update on its latest vessels during a mini cruise on the Bosphorus.

Embedded in the sector’s calendar was the ITS 2022 Dinner & Awards, honouring the best in technology, innovation, safety and port operations in the tug, towage and salvage industries. These annual awards, determined by the industry, recognise the vessels, companies and individuals who have set new benchmarks throughout the previous year. Winners included Boluda Towage as Tug Owner of the Year 2022 and the Damen-designed and built Sparky was awarded Tug of the Year 2022. Details of all of the winners can be found here.

This was the first ITS Convention under Riviera’s management since it was purchased from the administrator of The ABR Company. We learned lots, made many new friends and look forward to announcing ITS 2024 once voting has concluded and the industry has chosen where it should take place. Stay tuned.

Our sincere thanks to all those from the industry who helped make this a great success!