New European towage operator emerges

Finnish shipping group ESL Shipping’s subsidiary AtoB@C Shipping has announced plans to offer towage services in the Port of Raahe from August 2019.

It intends to provide ship handling services to vessels at a time when the size of ships using the port is increasing.

These services will be available throughout the year, including when ice is an issue in the northern hemisphere winter months.

AtoB@C Shipping regional manager Ari Hurula said around 90% of towage services will be needed for the company’s own vessels, but tugboats will also be available for other port users.

“Our long-term presence in the Port of Raahe provides an excellent base for also offering towage services,” he said. “We know the port, its partners and the needs of vessels calling here in Raahe.”

Port towage is becoming increasingly important in Raahe as the size of dry cargo vessels is rising. “This together with variating wind conditions affect the required assistance service level,” said Mr Hurula.

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AtoB@C Shipping is a shipping and logistics company that operates 28 ice-strengthened dry cargo vessels. It is part of ESL Shipping, a subsidiary of Aspo Group. Together they operate a fleet of 49 vessels and transport 17M tonnes of dry cargo annually.

AtoB@C Shipping operates liner services from Scandinavia to UK and central Europe, carrying industrial products, project cargoes and raw materials.

Port of Raahe is one of Finland’s busiest ports with weekly routes to Antwerp and Vejle, plus routes every other week to Hull and Szczecin, and once a month to Pasajes and Ravenna.

Global steel conglomerate SSAB operates a major steelworks in Raahe, generating imports and exports of cargo year-round. Timber and other products are also exported to European ports. The port has feeder container routes and facilities for storing and filling containers.