Middle East tug fleet renewal challenges explained

Safeen Group commercial director Ferlin Brown talks about the Middle East tug market, rising demand for port services and the challenges owners face with fleet renewal.

Age profiles of tugboats differ between jurisdictions and fleets need to modernise through newbuilds, he says during a video interview at Riviera’s 27th ITS Convention, Exhibition & Awards, in Dubai.

But there are challenges to overcome, he explains, including strict contract structures, the rising costs of tug building and a lack of experienced workers in shipyards.

Mr Brown says more private-public partnerships in the Middle East will be ready to invest in new tugs and expects higher demand to support new terminals in the region.

It can take up to 20 months to obtain a tug newbuilding after signing the contract, depending on the availability of critical equipment such as engines and winches, and the progress of stock building at the shipyard.