Sydney’s two newest tug boats – Svitzer Waratah and Svitzer Bondi – have been officially named during a special ceremony at the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Gadigal Elder Uncle Chicka Madden presented the Welcome to Country and Elder Max Eulo carried out a traditional Smoking Ceremony. Then Kathryn Holliday, wife of Sydney Harbourmaster Philip Holliday, christened the Svitzer Waratah while Caltex Australia’s marine advisor Captain Megan Arnott named the Svitzer Bondi.

The event was hosted by Svitzer’s global CEO Henriette Thygesen and Managing Director of Svitzer Australia Steffen Risager. In attendance were senior members of Svitzer’s management team from both Australia and Denmark as well as representatives from port authorities, shipping companies, and major exporting and importing businesses.

"This is a very special day for Svitzer Australia”, said Mrs Thygesen. "Acquired as part of our ongoing fleet renewal program, the arrival of these two impressive tugs underscores our long term commitment to Sydney and the port community that services it. Importantly, this significant investment by Svitzer will ensure that we can continue to provide our customers with the safe, reliable service they have to expect from us."

Mr Risager added that the names of the tugs were chosen by a popular vote amongst the crews that will operate them, a democratic process that has delivered up two names of real significance.

"Waratah is not only the official floral emblem of New South Wales, it is also the name of a 1902 Cockatoo Island-built coal fired tug, which now takes pride of place in the Sydney Heritage Fleet", said Mr Risager. “And of course the name Bondi really needs little explanation. When anybody around the world thinks of Australia two images immediately come to mind: the sails of the Sydney Opera House and the sand, sun and surf of Bondi Beach. Waratah and Bondi – two names that genuinely reflect the city they now call home.”

The Svitzer Bondi will be stationed in Port Jackson to support the booming cruise ship industry and assist visiting mix dry bulk carriers and oil tankers, while the Svitzer Waratah will be based in Botany to work in what is Australia’s second biggest container port.

Source: Svitzer