Two paths, one commitment: Marco and Marino’s journey with Svitzer

At Svitzer, our strength lies in our people. Local experts who bring dedication, skill and perseverance to every operation. The stories of Captains Marco Silva and Marino Chamorro show how different journeys can lead to the same destination: Professional growth and leadership at sea. Read on to learn more about their pathways and their lessons for others considering a career in maritime.

Marco Silva: From curiosity to command

Marco grew up surrounded by the sea. His father and grandfather were merchant mariners, and it was his father’s small boat business that first sparked his love for maritime life.

He joined Svitzer in 2010 as a launch boat operator in Melchorita, Peru. But Marco wanted more. “I used my days off to practise on board the tugboats. I travelled north to the Svitzer Cabo Blanco, and every chance I got, I kept learning,” he recalls.

His dedication took him far beyond Peru: simulator sessions in the Bahamas, bow-to-bow training in Costa Rica, and countless hours of practice gave him the confidence to take the next step.

Master Marco Silva at Svitzer’s operations in Peru

Marco’s lessons

“Being a leader is about commitment, motivation, responsibility and transparency.”
“Communication, experience and responsibility are the key skills for any tug captain.”
“My biggest motivation is my family.”

Marino Chamorro: Perseverance from the deck onward

Unlike Marco, Marino’s path was not through a maritime school. He started hands-on, as a deckhand. “I didn’t have the resources for formal studies, but I was inspired by a captain who had started the same way. I decided to follow that path,” he explains.

Step by step, Marino gained experience. Learning to handle azimuth tugs, facing critical decisions, and adapting to Svitzer’s systems tested him daily. What made the difference was guidance. “Gean Karlo was a leader who respected my learning pace. He gave me confidence, was patient, and always willing to help,” says Marino.

Today, Marino takes pride in having mastered challenging manoeuvres like bow-to-bow and centre line operations, achievements that not every captain can claim. His next chapter is underway in our Costa Rica operation, where he will continue to grow his skills.

Marino Chamorro, Master, Svitzer Americas

Marino’s lessons

“The most important thing at the helm is protecting life and ensuring every manoeuvre succeeds.”
“I always try to form a group and turn it into a team.”
“Like a racehorse, you must always keep looking forward.”

One message: Growth at Svitzer

For both Marco and Marino, Svitzer played a key role: offering training opportunities, trust, and the chance to learn in real conditions. Their achievements are proof of our values in action:

Safety: keeping people and vessels at the centre of every decision.
Responsibility: committing to their crews, families, and communities.
Excellence: persevering, learning, and inspiring others to follow.

As different as their journeys are, their stories highlight the same truth: there is no single way to grow within Svitzer. Whether through formal training or hands-on experience, commitment and teamwork open doors.

Or as Marco puts it: “It’s about having the right attitude and leaving your mark of quality in everything you do.”

And Marino adds: “With attitude and perseverance, at Svitzer you can always move forward.”

Master Marino Chamorro at the helm in Peru

Did you know?

Marco started practising tug manoeuvres on his rest days, travelling hundreds of kilometres just to learn.
Marino is living proof that passion and determination can replace formal training.
Both captains highlight teamwork and communication as the foundation of safe and successful operations.

No two journeys are the same

At Svitzer, no two journeys are the same — but our values unite us.

Captains Marco Silva and Marino Chamorro took different paths to the helm: one through formal training and international practice, the other through hands-on experience from deckhand to captain.

What they share is perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to safety and responsibility.

Svitzer operations – Peru

Operation in Melchorita, Pacific Ocean
58 offshore employees supported by 5 onshore
Vessels: 4 tugs, 3 small crafts, 1 barge
Start of operations: april 2010

Svitzer Invests in Three New Tugboats in Brazil to Support Growth

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 01 July 2024 – Svitzer, a leading global towage provider, has announced the signing of a contract with Shipyard Rio Maguari for the construction of three new tugboats. This significant investment underlines Svitzer's continuous commitment to expanding its presence in Brazil, catering to both new and existing customers.

Brazil plays an essential role in the global economy, particularly in the trade of grains, oil and metals. The nation's vast agricultural output makes it a critical supplier of grains, ensuring food security for countries reliant on imports. Additionally, Brazil's significant oil production and refining capacity contribute to global energy security. Its abundant metal reserves are essential for industrial development and manufacturing worldwide. These exports collectively foster economic growth and development within Brazil, further solidifying its position as a key player in international trade. As enablers of trade, Svitzer is committed to supporting this growth by investing in additional tugboats for its Brazilian fleet

The three vessels currently under construction are part of the 2300 Rampart Series and boast a top speed of 13 knots, an overall length of 23.2 meters and a bollard pull of >70 tonnes. The vessels will be equipped with Fifi-1 firefighting capabilities. These advanced features will enhance Svitzer's ability to support the growing capacity of various Brazilian ports, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient customer services.

Arjen van Dijk, Managing Director for Svitzer Americas, emphasised the strategic importance of this investment: “Svitzer's new build program in Brazil is a testament to our continuous commitment to meet the evolving needs of our customers in this important market. These tugboats are designed to handle the increasing complexity and volume of Brazil’s maritime operations and will enhance our operational capacity across various Brazilian ports. It not only strengthens our service offerings but also aligns with our broader goal of supporting Brazil's economic growth and infrastructure development.”

Daniel Reedtz Cohen, Managing Director of Svitzer Brazil, highlighted the continuous growth opportunities in the region: “Brazil’s economy has seen significant growth in the green energy and agricultural export sectors and has a key position in the global energy and food supply. Furthermore, the country’s growing export market for commodities, such as metals and oil, demonstrates its economic potential. With the number of ports increasing, and new terminals under construction, the expansion of our fleet with these tugboats reflects our dedication to supporting the evolving needs of Brazilian ports. We see continuous growth opportunities in the country, and this investment positions us to continue meeting new demands effectively."

The construction of these new tugboats by Shipyard Rio Maguari – a reputable shipbuilder based in Belém, Brazil – further cements Svitzer's commitment to leveraging local expertise and resources. Svitzer is proud to be supporting the Brazilian shipbuilding industry and the jobs that this generates. This collaboration ensures that the new vessels will be built to the highest standards, ready to cope with the challenges of Brazil's dynamic maritime industry.

Atlantic Towing Limited and Svitzer Modernise Halifax Port Fleet with New Escort Tugboats

Halifax, NS – 18 June 2024 – Atlantic Towing Limited, a member of the J.D. Irving, Limited family of companies and Svitzer have made a significant joint investment in the modernisation of the Port of Halifax fleet by acquiring two new escort tugboats from the Rastar 3200 series, each boasting an 85-ton bollard pull.

The Port of Halifax has seen substantial growth over the past decade, with a marked increase in both the number of tug jobs and the size of vessels. The new tugboats were specifically selected to accommodate the expanded volume and ensure Atlantic Towing maintains its role as the premier operator at the port.

Currently, three tugs are permanently stationed in Halifax, supplemented by two on-call vessels. The new Rastar 3200 vessels will replace the on-call tugs, offering a more robust and permanent solution.

Atlantic Towing, based in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, has been serving the Port of Halifax for nearly 20 years and has partnered with Svitzer, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, since 2010. The two new tugboats are currently under construction at the Uzmar Shipyard and are expected to be operational later this year.

Sheldon Lace, General Manager, Atlantic Towing Limited, said: “We’re excited to welcome new escort tugboats to our fleet. The investment reflects our dedication to supporting our partners and customers amid the exceptional growth in the Port of Halifax.”

Highlighting the operational benefits, Captain Adam Parsons, Harbour Master, Halifax Port Authority, said: “These new tugs are built to handle larger container ships, which are increasingly calling at Halifax, the only Eastern Canadian port capable of accommodating them. The enhanced escort capabilities in various weather conditions will boost efficiency and safety at the port.”

Arjen Van Dijk, Managing Director Svitzer Americas, said: "Through a collaborative effort, Svitzer's newbuild team, along with operations and procurement departments in Copenhagen and Panama, worked closely with Atlantic Towing to identify the best technical and operational solutions. These 85-ton escort tugs from the Rastar 3200 series exemplify our commitment to co-creating effective solutions with partners.”