Svitzer expands Middle East fleet with newbuilds

Svitzer is planning fleet investments in the Middle East and Mediterranean to support growth and new operations, while integrating sustainable practices such as trialling biofuels on its tugs.

The Danish owner has strengthened its operations across this region by adding to its fleet, renewing contracts and beginning new operations in countries where it is already established.

In the Middle East, Svitzer has focused on opportunities in Oman and Egypt, while supporting growth at a major container terminal in Morocco.

Svitzer managing director for Asia, Middle East and Africa, Deniz Kirdar True, says there is a “strategic focus on sustainability, including initiatives related to biofuel use and efficiency measures” for the company in the region.

It has introduced B20 biofuels to its tugs operating in Oman’s Sohar Port and Freezone. Three of the five operating tugs are now using B20 biodiesel, with the rest of the fleet to be added this year. 

This initiative is a pioneering step in the sustainable towage services Svitzer intends to expand within the region. “The adoption of biofuel sets a precedent for other ports looking to reduce their carbon footprint without disrupting critical operations,” says Ms True.

“By scaling up biofuel use across its fleet in 2025, Svitzer is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the Middle East’s decarbonisation goals, while ensuring reliable towage services for growing commercial hubs.”

In January 2025, Svitzer sealed a deal to operate four tugs and support tanker operations at the Oman Qalhat LNG Terminal. Along with towage services, Svitzer will also provide fire-fighting, escort duties, pilot boarding and dive support. It will charter four newbuild azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs with 65 tonnes of bollard pull to support tankers transporting LNG and natural-gas liquids from the terminal, from January 2026.

“We will manage Oman LNG towage operations and provide safe and reliable services in this terminal,” says Ms True. Svitzer supports shipping activities at Sohar Port, with a localisation rate of nearly 85%, and is responsible for towage operations at Petroleum Development Oman, south of Muscat, while Svitzer Lulu and Svitzer Murjan operate in Sur to support contracts at the Oman India Fertilizer Co terminal.

Around the region

In Egypt, Svitzer operates tugboats, workboats and a pilot boat at the Egyptian LNG terminal and charters tugs to the Suez Canal Authority, supporting maritime and harbour operations. In 2025, Svitzer began supporting Egypt-based Arab Petroleum Pipelines Co terminal with two tugs. 

In Bahrain, Svitzer provides towage and pilotage services to APM Terminals, operating three ASD tugboats, two line-handling boats and a pilot boat. In Qatar, the Nakilat SvitzerWijsmuller joint venture operates tugs and provides towage, pilotage and emergency response services at Ras Laffan LNG terminal.

The fleet in Morocco remains active at the APM Terminal of Tanger Med, with four tugboats and three pilot boats, reaching a 97% localisation rate. This fleet will increase in 2025 with a fifth tug due for delivery at Tangier Med.

“The Middle East has proven to be a strong market for marine infrastructure growth, offering ongoing opportunities to expand our operations,” says Ms True. “The region’s energy transition and economic expansion continue to drive investment and trade, creating further prospects in the marine services sector.”

Challenges in the region include providing local workforces for tugboat fleets and investing in technologies and biofuels to improve sustainability. “We have a strong emphasis on local workforce development, as ensuring a skilled workforce remains critical,” says Ms True. “Collaborations with local port authorities and industrial clients are important to maintain long-term service agreements.”