European Tugowners Association chair elected

As its new chair, Mattias Hellström will lead the European Tugowners Association (ETA) for the next two years, continuing the ETA’s work to promote fair working conditions, safety standards and a level playing field as the towage industry moves toward decarbonisation.

“I have represented Svitzer for 11 years in ETA, so it is a great honour that people trust me to take up the chairmanship of the association,” said Mr Hellström.

“As chair, my job is to ensure we stay united on the big-picture issues, like standard EU legislation, safety and decarbonisation.”

The ETA plays an active role in shaping EU legislation in the maritime industry and ports, representing both international operators and local towage companies across Europe.

Mr Hellström provided some key insights into the challenges tug owners face in Europe during a keynote speech at Riviera’s TUGTECHNOLOGY 25 conference in Antwerp, Belgium in May 2025.

During that presentation, he said sustainability has become an expectation for the tug and towage sector, leading to a greater focus on reducing emissions with electric propulsion.