26th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards 2022
28 September 2022 - 30 September 2022
09:00 - 17:00
Istanbul
A welcome return for the tug, towage and salvage industry’s premier event.
After a four year break the International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards received a very warm welcome back from the community in the beautiful city of Istanbul.
Now in its 26th outing, this biennial event did not disappoint. Alongside the convention, exhibition and awards, an outstanding social programme included The ITS 2022 Opening Drinks Reception, Tug Presentation and mini-cruise across the Bosphorus as well as The Gala Dinner & Awards at the stunning 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, Riviera Maritime Media and Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media.
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.
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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.
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Embedded in the sector’s calendar was the ITS 2022 Gala 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.
There were eight categories of awards with more than 25 shortlisted nominees. Boluda Towage was voted Tug Owner of the Year 2022, while Damen-designed and built Sparky was awarded Tug of the Year 2022.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Donjon-Smit, European Tugowners Association, European Maritime Pilots Association and IHI Power Systems were also honoured at this highly prestigious ceremony cheered on by over 520 friends and colleagues, new and old.
It was an honour for everyone present to celebrate the achievements of two of the industry’s outstanding figures. The Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 was presented to Robert G. Allan, Robert Allan Ltd in recognition of his significant contribution to the international tug and salvage industry throughout his career.
Presented to the Altug family on behalf of a grateful industry and in respectful memory of, The Posthumous Award 2022 was awarded to Captain Altay Altug, UZMAR for his lifetime’s service to the maritime industry. With well-deserved standing ovations, our audience acknowledged these giants of the tug and salvage world.
Amongst many other highlights, ITS 2022 delegates attended several social and networking events during our four days in Istanbul including the Opening Reception at the Istanbul Congress Centre with its views over the city and the exceptional Tug Presentation on the banks of the Bosphorus.
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In an experience not to be missed, attendees had the unique opportunity to climb aboard three harbour and escort tugs at the Kurucesme Dock, the fully electric zero emission ZEETUG 30 designed by Navtek Naval Technologies Inc. and owned by GİSAŞ Gemi İnşa Sanayi A.Ş. , the 80 tons BP ASD Tug ANKA 6 built, owned and operated by UZMAR and ARMUTLU a harbour tug built in 1961 which was recently renovated by Sanmar A.Ş.
ITS 2022 extends its thanks to Kıyı Emniyeti Genel Müdürlüğü (Directorate General of Coastal Safety) and the Türkiye Denizcilik Işletmeleri A.Ş. (Turkish Maritime Organisation) management team for making this reception possible. Thanks also goes to all the tugboat captains who invited visitors on board and were happy to discuss their tugboats and answer questions.
We are delighted to confirm the 27th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will return in 2024. Your feedback on location, content and format is being canvassed and we invite you to look out for the industry surveys currently going out to all attendees.
2024 may be two years away but the tug, towage and salvage sector does not have to wait that long for the next essential industry gathering. Riviera will be hosting TUGTECHNOLOGY 23 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 22-23 May 2023. You can find out more by cicking here. Riviera - Recent Events - TUGTECHNOLOGY ’23 (rivieramm.com).Until then, you can stay up to date with the latest sector news, market analysis, technical features, tug deliveries and newbuilding campaigns with a subscription to International Tug & Salvage magazine, in print and online at Riviera - International Tug and Salvage (rivieramm.com
Featured SpeakersView All
Jonas Nyberg
Capt. Ron Burchett
Marinus Jansen
Matthew Rayson
Steve Dougal
Marco Wedemeyer
Marcel Cleijsen
Erdeniz Erol
Anna Maria Darmanin
Jan Michelsen
Capt. Jordan Pechie
Takuro Hatamoto
Yusuke Oribe
Romi Kaushal
Patrick Everts
Rick Broersma
Mehmet Fatih Ucak
Sidar Gökçe
Ferhat Acuner
James R. Hyslop
Robert Allan
Robert Gage
Tobias Kohl
Michael Botterbusch
Tamer Geckin
Christian Heidrich
Sean Poole
Andrew Brown
Wencke Boerrigter
Donato Agostinelli
Gareth Prowse
Thomas Bangslund
Simon Tatham
Emre Caylak
Nalan Erol
Márcio Castro
Featured Speakers
Jonas Nyberg
Capt. Ron Burchett
Marinus Jansen
Matthew Rayson
Steve Dougal
Marco Wedemeyer
Marcel Cleijsen
Erdeniz Erol
Anna Maria Darmanin
Jan Michelsen
Capt. Jordan Pechie
Takuro Hatamoto
Yusuke Oribe
Romi Kaushal
Patrick Everts
Rick Broersma
Mehmet Fatih Ucak
Sidar Gökçe
Ferhat Acuner
James R. Hyslop
Robert Allan
Robert Gage
Tobias Kohl
Michael Botterbusch
Tamer Geckin
Christian Heidrich
Sean Poole
Andrew Brown
Wencke Boerrigter
Donato Agostinelli
Gareth Prowse
Thomas Bangslund
Simon Tatham
Emre Caylak
Nalan Erol
Márcio Castro
In association with
Event Partners
Supporting Organisation
Media Partners
Programme Day 1
Day 1 | Thursday 28 September
Maintaining safe, profitable and environmentally sustainable tug operations
The industry is facing myriad pressures and our year round reporting on the tug and salvage industries tells us that safety, profitability and sustainability top the agenda. Our conference assessed these issues and highlighted solutions designed to future proof the entire industry supply chain.
Papers considered the theme from regulatory, design, operational, technical, commercial, market, financial and ESG standpoints and each was contextualised in one or more of the following segments: harbour tugs; escort tugs; ocean tugs, salvage tugs.
| Time | Activity | |
| 07:30 | Registration opens | |
| 08:30 |
Official exhibition opening ceremony |
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Official Conference Opening
ITS 2022 is officially opened! Our conference partner Caterpillar will set the scene for the programme to follow including what it takes to maintain safe, profitable and environmentally sustainable tug operations
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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09.30 |
Welcome address from Riviera Maritime Media |
Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media |
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09.35 |
Welcome address from Turkish Chamber of Commerce |
Recep Düzgit, Vice Chairman of the Board of Turkish Chamber of Shipping |
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09.40 |
Welcome address from Platinum Sponsor |
Matt Rayson, Global Industry Manager, Caterpillar Marine |
Session 1: The Global Outlook
This session takes a staircased approach to the global outlook for tug and salvage. Our first paper will address the drivers underpinning tug requirements through to 2040 and will be followed by a focus on market fundamentals and the tug owner perspective
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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09:40 |
Full ahead into uncharted waters
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Steve Dougal, Managing Director, Century Marine Services |
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10.10 |
Navigating supply chain challenges and evolving regulation through to 2027
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Anna Maria Darmanin, Secretary-General, European Tugowners Association |
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10.40 |
Q&A |
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11.00 |
Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by:
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SESSION 2: Operational Insights
A succession of exclusive case studies detailing proven strategies that are delivering competitive advantage. Themes addressed span powering, propulsion, voyage and vessel optimisation and emissions reduction
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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11.40 |
Taking zero emissions tugs to
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Ferhat Acuner, General Manager, Navtek Naval Technologies |
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12.00 |
The Maju 510: anatomy of a remote autonomous tug project in Singapore
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Romi Kaushal, Managing Director, Keppel Smit Towage |
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12.20 |
The KOTUG E-Pusher series and Cargill: operational insights from the future of shipping
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Patrick Everts, General Manager, KOTUG Training & Consultancy / OptiPort |
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12.40 |
Q&A |
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13.00 |
Buffet lunch & networking in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by:
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SESSION 3: Next Generation Design (Part I)
How to align the need to be green, commercial and compliant at the vessel design stage
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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14.40 |
The effect of alternate fuels on the design of harbour and escort tugs
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Robert Gage, Naval Architect, Robert Allan Ltd |
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15.00 |
Lessons learnt from fleetwide remote monitoring
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Marcel Cleijsen, Manager Development, Damen Digital Solutions Marco Wedemeyer, Data Scientist, Damen Research |
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15.20 |
The ElectRA Class: Environmentally-friendly and fully electric battery powered tugboats
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Tamer Geckin, Director, R&D and Electrical Systems, Sanmar Shipyards |
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15.40 |
Q&A |
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16.00-16.40 |
Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area
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Sponsored by:
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Social Functions
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17:00-19:30 |
All aboard! Tug Presentation reception (All Access, Hospitality and Press pass holders only)
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Tug presenters:
Presentation by:
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20:00-Late |
SANMAR VIP Reception (by invitation only)
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Sponsored by:
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* Programme subject to change / amendments
Programme Day 2 & 3
Day 2 | Thursday 29 September
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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08:00 |
Registration opens |
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| 09:00 | Welcome address from Riviera Maritime Media |
Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media |
SESSION 4: Next Generation Design (Part II)
A thorough mapping of what goes into next generation design from the drawing board, to the towing deck through to the latest in IoT and digitalisation
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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09:10 |
Machine Learning for safer and sustainable tug operations
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Nalan Erol, R&D Leader, UZMAR Emre Çaylak, Business Development Executive, UZMAR |
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09:30 |
The Svitzer TRAnsverse tug - the next generation multipurpose tug
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Thomas Bangslund, Group Head of Technical Innovation, Svitzer |
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09:50 |
Converting, upgrading and readying tugs for methanol and hydrogen fuel operation
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Sidar Gökce, Head of Planning & Estimation, Med Marine Pilotage and Towage
Mehmet Fatih Ucak, Design Manager, Med Marine Pilotage and Towage |
| 10:10 |
Q&A |
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| 10:30 |
Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by:
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SESSION 5: Technology Pathways to 2050 (Part I)
Critical analysis of the technological decarbonisation pathways available to tug owner/operators spanning fuel, hybrid and electric options
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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11:10 |
Sustainability journey for the tug industry - solutions for today, tomorrow, and the future
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Marinus Jansen, Global Marine Technology Steward, Caterpillar Marine |
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11:30 |
The Paths to Zero: An Azimuth Propulsor Perspective
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Donato Agostinelli, Sales Manager, Tugs & Workboats, Steerprop |
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11:50 |
Balancing propulsion selection, tug operating profile, infrastructure and reality
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Tobias Kohl, Director Application Engineering Marine, Rolls-Royce Solutions
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12:10 |
Q&A |
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12:30 |
Buffet lunch & networking in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by:
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SESSION 6: Technology Pathways to 2050 (Part II)
An opportunity for delegates to benchmark the strategic approach they are taking to the green transition from propulsion selection through to streamlined towing line management
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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13:40 |
How to operationally adjust in the green transition
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Jonas L. Nyberg, Managing Director - Western Hemisphere, Berg Propulsion |
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13:55 |
Electrical integration and the battery-powered electric tug
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Christian Heidrich, Sales director Tug & Offshore Energy, Schottel Erdeniz Erol, R&D Manager, Elkon Elektrik |
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14:10 |
Development of Advanced Propulsion System for Tugboat
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Yusuke Oribe, Senior Assistant Manager, IHI Power Systems Co., Ltd. |
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14:25 |
Leveraging data and technology for streamlined towing line management
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Michael Botterbusch, Applications Engineer, Samson Rope Technologies |
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14:40 |
Q&A |
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15:00 |
Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by:
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SESSION 7: The Port Interface
How the port interface - including energy and infrastructure requirements - is evolving to meet maritime decarbonisation goals. Panellists will also consider how new technologies can be deployed to meet changes in trade flows and to optimise crew management
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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15:40 |
Towage operations beyond the traditional harbour
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Marcio Castro, Executive Director, Towage & Eduardo Valenca, Digital Transformation Director, Wilson Sons |
| 16:00 |
Can your port’s tug operations be electrified? How to assess the impact of alternative fuels on your towage capacity.
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Patrick Everts, General Manager, Kotug International |
| 16:20 |
Q&A |
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| 16:40 |
Day two conference close |
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Social Functions
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19:00-20:00 |
Pre-dinner drinks reception (Gala Dinner, Drinks Reception & Awards, Conference and Networking & Hospitality pass holders only)
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Sponsored by:
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20:00-Late |
Gala Dinner & ITS Awards (Gala Dinner, Drinks Reception & Awards, Conference and Networking & Hospitality pass holders only)
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Gala dinner sponsored by:
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Day 3 | Friday 30 September
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07:30 |
Registration and networking coffee in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by: |
MORNING BRIEFING: Salvage of alternatively fuelled and powered vessels: What this means for the salvor
The maritime industry is running on an increasingly diverse range of fuels and the trend will only accelerate. Maritime batteries are finding favour in certain sectors and atomic / nuclear powered vessels are being seriously considered. All of which presents significant novel challenges for the salvage industry and the salvor if an alternatively fuelled / powered vessel is in distress.
Join Smit Lamnalco’s Andrew Brown and Simon Tatham of Tatham & Co / TugAdvise at this exclusive and timely breakfast briefing as they raise and tackle critical questions the industry must resolve.
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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07:55 |
Introduction and the key talking points
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Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media |
| 08:00 | The legal and regulatory context |
Simon Tatham, Partner, Tatham & Co / TugAdvise |
| 08:15 | Salvage of alternatively fuelled vessels – What does this mean for the salvor? |
Andrew Brown, Global Director Business and Project Development LNG, Smit Lamnalco |
| 08:35 | Open discussion and audience Q&A |
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| 08:55 | Session close |
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Day 3 Conference
| 09:00 | Welcome address from Riviera Maritime Media | Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media |
SESSION 8: Training & Simulation
Lessons learned and future perspectives on training and simulation including how has the pandemic has reframed operations and how companies are responding to the demands of mega vessels and the opportunities presented by the Metaverse
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
| 09:10 |
New thinking on training for crew, masters and pilots
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Captain Ron Burchett, Owner, Burchett Marine Inc |
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09:25 |
Developing mariners for North America’s most cutting-edge tug fleet
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Captain Jordan Pechie, Senior Project Manager, HaiSea Marine Sean Poole, Senior Director Operations, Seaspan Marine |
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09:40 |
Tug Safety – what can we learn from tug incidents?
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Wencke Boerrigter for and on behalf of The Workboat Association |
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09:55 |
Introducing the Metaverse to the Tug and Salvage Industry
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Jan Michelsen, Head of Department Simulation, Ports & Training, FORCE Technology |
| 10:10 |
Q&A |
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| 10:30 |
Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by:
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SESSION 9: Sustainability
Thought provoking presentations that will challenge industry thinking on meeting increasing regulatory targets against the tightest of timescales
| Time | Session/Paper | Presenters/Authors |
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11:00 |
The race to become Green – What is reality and what is band wagon?
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Andrew Brown, Global Director Business and Project Development LNG, Smit Lamnalco |
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11:20 |
Getting to Zero – Making ambition a reality
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Gareth Prowse, Head of Decarbonisation, Svitzer |
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11:40 |
Q&A |
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SESSION 10: Conference summary and takeaways
Open and opinionated discussion and Q&A with senior figures from across the industry followed by a professional summary of the conference’s key themes, takeaways and action items ahead of the next ITS
| Time | Session/Paper | Panellists |
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12:00 |
The programme will roundout with a panel of industry heavyweights in an unscripted discussion and Q&A inspired by the themes of the conference. Expect robust discussion between panellists and the floor.
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Simon Tatham, Partner, Tatham & Co / TugAdvise Robert Allan, Executive Chairman, Robert Allan Ltd
Further panellists invited |
| 13:00 |
Buffet lunch & networking in the VIP Hospitality area |
Sponsored by:
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| 14:00 |
Exhibition closes |
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* Programme subject to change / amendments
Awards
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The winners were announced at the ITS gala dinner on 29th September in the presence of 520 members of the industry’s community!
The prestigious ITS Awards recognise vessels, operators, innovators and individuals that set new benchmarks in operational excellence throughout the previous year. To win an ITS Award is to achieve a significant personal and professional milestone and is all-the-more memorable as these respected awards are determined by you, the industry, and in 2022 were presented at The 26th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards.
Read more about your award winners here |
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To get involved or to discuss commercial opportunities at the 2023 ITS Awards, please contact Indrit Kruja on indrit.kruja@rivieramm.com or call +44 20 8370 7792
Categories:
2022 Winner: IHI Power Systems
Innovation of the Year Award
This award recognises an innovative product, service or system that has significantly improved a tug design, build and/or operational aspect over the last 12 months.
Shortlist:
LEARN MORE Voting is now closed!
| Sponsored by:
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2022 Winner: Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Ports & Harbour Award
This award recognises a port or harbour that has set industry benchmarks in one or more of the following areas over the last 12 months: safety, security, environment, efficiency, operational excellence.
Shortlist:
LEARN MORE Voting is now closed!
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2022 Winner: European Tugowners Association and European Maritime Pilots Association
Safety Award
Awarded to a company, person, project or product that has either set industry safety benchmarks and/or been the difference in terms of safety of life, property and environment for tugs and/or during a salvage operation or incident over the last 12 months.
Shortlist:
LEARN MORE Voting is now closed! |
2022 Winner: Donjon-Smit LLC
Salvage Company of the Year Award
Awarded to a company that has set industry benchmarks in one or more of the following areas in the last 12 months: successful projects, safety, operations, technical excellence, crewing and training, ESG.
Shortlist:
LEARN MORE Voting is now closed! | Sponsored by:
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2022 Winner: Sparky
Tug of the Year Award
Awarded to the owner, designer and builder of a tug, delivered in the last 12 months, that set industry benchmarks through innovative design and efficient operations.
Shortlist:
LEARN MORE Voting is now closed! | Sponsored by:
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2022 Winner: Boluda Towage
Tug Owner of the Year Award
Awarded to a tug owner that has set industry benchmarks in one or more of the following areas over the last 12 months: safety, operations, technical excellence, crewing and training, ESG, business development.
Shortlist:
LEARN MORE Voting is now closed! | Sponsored by:
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2022 Winner: Robert G. Allan, Robert Allan Ltd
Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded to an individual who has made a contribution of outstanding significance to the international tug and salvage industry during their lifetime.
Sponsored by:
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Social Programme
The Opening Reception
Date: Tuesday 27th September
ITS 2022 began with a welcome reception and a chance to reconnect after a four year absence.
Together with our friends from Damen, delegates and exhibitors alike were invited to join colleagues both old and new for our Opening Reception, held at the Istanbul Congress Center with its impressive views of the ancient city of Istanbul.
Guests enjoyed a selection of Turkish canapes and local delicacies and toasted the return of the premier event for the tug and salvage communities in a relaxed and social setting before heading on to pre-arranged dinners and other engagements.
sponsored by:
The Tug Presentation Reception
Date: Wednesday 28th September
Over 200 guests joined us for a late afternoon reception at the Kuruçeşme Dock to experience some of today’s finest tugs up close.
The latest tugs from Navtek and Uzmar and a beautiful 1961 example from Sanmar awaited our guests at the quayside on the Bosphorus. Guests had a unique opportunity to view some of the very latest tugs on offer to international buyers, take part in presentations and even go on board!
Our reception concluded aboard Le Vapeur Magique for drinks and canapés during a mini cruise on the Bosphorus where Damen gave an update on some of their latest vessel technology.
Tug presentations
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17:00
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17:30
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18:00
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Following the last presentation at approximately 18:30 guests boarded Le Vapeur Magique and departed Kuruçeşme Dock for refreshments and a short vessel presentation from Damen.
Presentation by:
The Gala Dinner, Drinks Reception & Awards
Date: Thursday 29 September 2022
An evening of celebration and entertainment with colleagues and friends.
520 guests joined us at the stunning five-star Swissotel The Bosphorus for the ITS 2022 Gala Dinner, Drinks Reception & Awards.
Set in the centre of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus and just 15 minutes from the historic peninsula, there was no better location for the occasion.
Guests enjoyed pre-dinner drinks on the stunning terrace with views overlooking the Dolmabahce Palace and onto the Bosphorus before moving to the exquisite Fuji ballroom for dinner. An exclusive four course menu was then served before the ITS 2022 Award presentations began. Then entertainment continued after the awards with a special guest performance by the Uninvited Jazz Band.
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Pre-dinner drinks sponsored by:
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Gala Dinner sponsored by:
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