The acquisition of Svitzer Barrington and Switzer Nobby’s was just one of the notable developments that occurred in 2025, which Phillips described as a solid year for Svitzer Australia.
“Trade volumes have remained resilient, and demand for reliable towage services is strong. Ports are handling larger vessels on tighter schedules, which places a premium on safety and performance.”
In Phillips’ view, the operating environment is challenging, but fundamentally strong. The company is therefore optimistic about the future of the towage industry, both globally and within Australia.
“Maritime trade underpins Australia’s economy, and towage is a critical link in that chain. Ships are getting larger, ports are busier and weather patterns are becoming less predictable. That increases the need for highly capable towage to maintain safety and efficiency.”
Phillips said that historically meant progressively more powerful and therefore more fuel-intensive tugs, though Svitzer Barrington‘s design challenges that assumption by delivering higher performance more efficiently.
“The future will require vessels that combine capability, resilience and sustainability, rather than trading one off against another,” he told Baird Maritime.
For a list of the 2025 “Best Of” award winners, please click here.
