Svitzer, a leading global towage provider and part of A.P. Moller-Maersk, announced on Wednesday (Apr 26) that it has secured a 7-year contract with ExxonMobil to provide towage services at Fawley Refinery. This contract reinforces Svitzer’s position in the UK and will increase synergies with the port of Southampton.
The contract was awarded after an open-tender process, in which Svitzer demonstrated its ability to utilise assets across Fawley and Southampton to provide a more efficient solution for ExxonMobil. Svitzer already owns the three tugs operating at Fawley Refinery and the intention is to continue operating them with existing personnel, with the crews being offered to continue in their current roles, but as Svitzer employees.
The contract includes the provision of line handling as well as operation of three launch boats and two mooring pontoons. Two shore-based staff will spend the majority of their time servicing the Fawley operation, ensuring that ExxonMobil has a face-to-face contact readily available, and that crew have a support network for ensuring compliance, maintenance, storing and day-to-day operations run smoothly.
The Fawley deal furthers Svitzer’s long-standing position as a leading towage provider in the UK, including a harbour towage operation in nearby Southampton, which has been servicing a wide range of customers for more than 15 years. In addition to the tugs operating at Fawley, Svitzer currently operates five tugs in nearby Southampton.
Commenting on the announcement, Lise Demant, Managing Director, Svitzer Europe, said: “We are very proud to have been selected as the provider for towage services at the Fawley Refinery, and excited to provide our high-quality towage services to ExxonMobil. This contract is a great win for all of us at Svitzer. It enables us to grow our position in the UK, while driving synergies with our existing harbour towage operations at the port of Southampton, and welcoming new, skilled colleagues into the Svitzer family.”