Svitzer strengthens operational capacity to support Caribbean customers

Santo Domingo, 29 July 2026 – Svitzer Caribbean Dominicana has incorporated to its fleet the Svitzer Manzanillo, the most powerful harbour tugboat now operating in the Dominican Republic and one of the most technologically advanced vessels in the region.

Its primary purpose is to strengthen and support liquefied natural gas (LNG) transhipment operations on the island, ensuring customers have the capacity and reliability needed to meet their current and future operational requirements.

With 86 tons of bollard pull, it is the largest capacity tugboat in Svitzer’s fleet in the Caribbean Cluster, where Svitzer operates across four locations and seven ports. According to Felipe Quintana, Managing Director of Svitzer Caribbean Dominicana, this tugboat is destined to serve LNG customers and providing availability for special operations in the Caribbean.

“This new vessel reflects our confidence in the continued growth of the Dominican maritime sector and our commitment to delivering world-class safety, operational excellence and service reliability, said Quintana. “As the largest and most capable tug in the country, Svitzer Manzanillo will significantly strengthen our ability to support the increasing demands of our customers and the evolving needs of the Dominican market, ensuring we remain ready to serve the next generation of maritime trade and port operations.”

“Together, we continue to invest in the future of the Dominican Republic’s maritime industry and reinforce our commitment to enabling safe and efficient trade, Quintana said. “We are preparing for a growing country, for evolving ports and clients increasingly demanding more capacity, safety and efficiency”.

Svitzer is set to further strengthen its fleet in the Caribbean with the construction of three new tugboats as part of its ongoing investment program in new assets and fleet renewal. The first of the three, a 70-ton bollard pull tug with FiFi 1 specifications, capable for LNG operations, is estimated to be delivered in early 2027.