Svitzer announces construction of first two TRAnsverse tugs in the Americas
Multi-million investment by Svitzer and, together with the Rio Maguari Shipyard, announces the construction of the first two TRAnsverse tugboats in the Americas
Announced at Intermodal South America April 14-16
Rio de Janeiro, 15 April 2026: Svitzer, a global leader in towage and marine services, announced a multi-million USD investment for the construction of two TRAnsverse tugboats in partnership with the Rio Maguari Shipyard in Belém, in the state of Pará. The project, the first of its kind to be produced in the Americas, will generate 150 direct and 600 indirect jobs. The TRAnsverse tug is a proprietary design developed by Svitzer in collaboration with the Canadian company Robert Allan Ltd representing the next generation in harbour and terminal tug design. The venture strengthens the Brazilian shipbuilding industry and raises the standard of towing services in the country.
Daniel Reedtz Cohen, Svitzer’s managing director for the Americas, said that bringing TRAnsverse innovation to the country represents an advance and reinforces the importance of the Brazilian market for Svitzer. “This is another strategic step in our operations in the country. In addition to boosting the already-advanced fleet Svitzer operates in Brazil, and which grows and is updated every year to offer high-quality and safe services to our clients, we are also achieving one of our main objectives, which is to generate value chain for the region where we operate, directly supporting the development of the maritime industry. This initiative generates gains on several fronts and reaffirms our continuous commitment to innovation and new demands of the Brazilian port market.”
These two first tugboats are expected to be ready between the end of 2027 and the beginning of 2028.
“This is an innovative project from Svitzer, these being the first TRAnsverse vessels to be built in the Americas. Being chosen for this challenge is a source of pride for our shipyard, demonstrating Svitzer’s confidence in our work, earned after the delivery of six tugboats in the last two years, fulfilling all the demanding requirements for a project of this size,” says Fábio Vasconcelos, commercial director of the Rio Maguari Shipyard.
More than three quarters of Svitzer’s current 20 plus tug order book are TRAnsverse tugs, in size variations of 26m, 29m, 32m and 35m; and electric, hybrid and conventional diesel-powered configurations.
About the TRAnsverse
The initial concept for the Svitzer TRAnsverse tugboat, was established in late 2019. The idea was to develop a vessel with enhanced manoeuvrability and escort capabilities, greater fuel efficiency and responsiveness to further improve service delivery to Svitzer’s customers.
Among its key performance differentiators, the TRAnsverse stands out for operating efficiently in a significantly wider range of conditions and demands than similarly sized or larger ASD-type tugboats, with up to 50% better performance in various practical situations. Furthermore, it is 15% more fuel-efficient, emitting fewer pollutants and maintaining optimal performance even in challenging conditions.
Awarded ‘Innovation of the Year’ at the International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Awards, the TRAnsverse design also stands out for its modernity, greater power, and agility. Instead of relying solely on side thrusters, like common models, it also features inline front and rear thrusters, ensuring greater control and ease of movement in any direction, and making maneuvers safer and more efficient, especially in confined spaces.
The new contract expands the partnership between Svitzer and the Rio Maguari Shipyard, which already includes the construction of RAmparts Series 2300 azimuth tugboats. With the announcement of the TRAnsverse tugboats, Svitzer reaffirms its leading role in improving the Brazilian fleet and promoting operational excellence in the Brazilian port sector.
