Boluda consolidates position in Australia

Boluda Towage has acquired independent Australia tug owner Mackenzie Marine & Towage (MMT) to enhance its operations on the western coast of the country.

This Spanish shipowner is strengthening its presence in Australia following its purchase of Smit Lamnalco’s operations in the nation’s east coast ports and in Papua New Guinea during 2025.

MMT, a family-owned company, operates a fleet of tugs in Esperance Port, which is a hub for exports, particularly in the mining and agricultural sectors, in Western Australia.

Boluda said this purchase is a further step forward in Australia, extending its reach in the western ports.

It operates 43 vessels in the Australasia region including in the ports of Botany, Brisbane, Cairns, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney and Weipa, plus in Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and now in Esperance.

MMT will continue its operations in Esperance and be led by Sean McKenzie for continuity of operations.

Boluda said this acquisition was part of the company’s “strategic roadmap for exploring new opportunities in the region” and for “consolidating its expansion along the country.”

This owner that is part of the Boluda Maritime group has operational capacity in more than 232 ports in five continents with a fleet of over 850 vessels.