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New towage services contractor welcomed
Port of Townsville and Ports North are pleased to announce Engage Marine has been awarded a new contract to supply towage services to ports in Townsville, Lucinda, Cairns and Mourilyan. Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said the Port was pleased to welcome new contractor Engage Marine’s services to the Port after a comprehensive tender process. Ms Crosby said the Port recognises and acknowledges the services provided by the Port’s current towage service provider. “I’d like to thank our current towage service provider Smit Lamnalco Towage Australia, including their crew for their dedicated years of service,” Ms Crosby said. “Towage services are crucial to a Port operating safely and efficiently and we look forward to working with Engage Marine.” Ports North CEO Richard Stevenson said Ports North welcomed the completion of the thorough tender process and welcomes Engage Marine as the towage provider for their ports of Cairns and Mourilyan. Mr Stevenson also acknowledged their current towage provider. “Svitzer Australia have been a valuable partner in the ports of Cairns and Mourilyan and I would like to thank and acknowledge their staff and crew for their years of dedication in providing a critical port service to Ports North and our customers,” Mr Stevenson said. “We now look forward to working with Engage Marine noting the important role towage plays in the safe and efficient operation of our ports.” Engage Marine Chief Executive Officer Mark Malone said that they are proud to be selected to provide the towage services across the four ports and are committed to working closely with Port of Townsville and Ports North to ensure a smooth transition into operation. “We have successfully implemented numerous new operations in recent years, transitioning from the incumbent operator, safely, efficiently and on-time with no disruption to operations. We worked closely with the relevant Port Authorities and stakeholders to deliver on time commencement, improved service offering and operational efficiencies,” Mr Malone said. “We are committed to investing in and supporting the local communities in which we operate. We will work closely with the local port and community stakeholders when commencing operations to identify opportunities to maximise the use of local content. “We will be establishing offices and shore side support in both Townsville and Cairns, and we are committed to recruiting staff and crew that live locally to each of the ports.” The fleet that Engage Marine will put in place across the ports of Townsville, Lucinda, Cairns and Mourilyan is an upgrade in capability to the existing assets currently servicing the Ports.
Port of Townsville wins prestigious maritime industry award
Port of Townsville has been named Australia’s Port of the Year for 2024 at the DCN Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards in Melbourne. Port of Townsville CEO Ranee Crosby said it was an honour to receive the accolade and acknowledgement from our industry and peers. “This wonderful achievement reflects the dedication, hard work and passion of our Port staff and customers who work proudly and tirelessly to service our region,” Ms Crosby said. The judging panel said they were particularly impressed by the Port’s remarkable achievement of handling more than $12 billion worth of commodities last financial year, with ambitious plans for triple trade in the coming decades. “Their impressive $1.6 billion expansion plan, highlighted by a historic $251 million Channel Upgrade project, showcases their commitment to increasing capacity and efficiency,” the judges said. “Moreover, their dedication to growth and sustainability, evident in the installation of solar panels and the development of renewable energy initiatives, positions them as forward-thinking leaders in the industry. “With a record cruise season ahead and significant growth in motor vehicle imports, the Port of Townsville is undoubtedly driving economic growth in North Queensland while embracing a sustainable future.” Ms Crosby said it is a particular honour to be able to celebrate the milestone in the Port’s 160th year of operation, and a year when we will complete the $251 million Channel Upgrade project – the largest infrastructure project in the Port’s history. “North Queensland is poised for an era of transformative growth in critical minerals, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and mining,” Ms Crosby said. “The Port stands ready to meet the rising demand for advance port infrastructure to help to support a new frontier for economic development in our region.” Finalists in the 2024 Australian Port or Terminal of the Year Award included Barry Beach Marine Terminal, Port of Brisbane, Patrick Terminals and Port Kembla.