New Ports and Terminals Drive African Tugboat Fleet Expansion

New harbour and terminal developments across Africa are driving tugboat owners to expand their fleets for escorting, handling and docking ships. From Morocco to the Gulf of Guinea, operators including Boluda, Winning Logistics and AD Ports Group's Noatum Maritime have taken delivery of numerous new tugs. The vessels support developments ranging from major container transshipment hubs and LNG export terminals to mining export operations, reflecting broad growth in African port infrastructure.

 

The Driver of Demand

 

Port development is fuelling tugboat investment. New harbours and terminals are emerging across Africa. These developments span from northern Africa to the Gulf of Guinea. They are encouraging tugboat owners to expand fleets. This supports escorting, handling and docking ships.

The scale of development is significant. Projects range from container hubs to LNG terminals. Mining export operations also drive demand. These varied developments require towage support. This underpins the wave of tugboat deliveries.

 

Deliveries in Morocco

 

Morocco has seen notable tug deliveries. Boluda's subsidiary took delivery of two ASD tugs. A third is on its way to the region. All three will assist ships at Nador ports. These include the new Nador West Med port.

The vessels share a common specification. All three 28-metre tugs were built in Vietnam. They follow an ASD 2813 design. Nador West Med is a major infrastructure project. It is scheduled to operate in 2027 as a transshipment and bulk hub.

 

Deliveries in the Gulf of Guinea

 

Several West African ports received new tugs. Boluda welcomed a tug to the Port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. It was built by Sanmar as part of its Bogacay series. In Ghana, a Damen-built tug began operating at Tema. This vessel is co-owned through a joint venture.

Guinea saw substantial fleet growth. Winning Logistics received multiple tugboats there. These came from two Malaysian shipyards. They support the mass export of ores. At least nine 28-metre tugs have been built for this campaign.

 

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The Nigerian LNG Deliveries

 

Nigeria's LNG sector drove significant orders. AD Ports Group's Noatum Maritime invested in escort tugs. These support a new LNG export hub. The hub is being developed at Lekki. The tugs serve gas carriers calling there.

Med Marine built these vessels in Turkey. It delivered two tugs to a RAstar 2800 design. These offer 80 tonnes of bollard pull. It also built two larger tugs to a RAstar 3200-W design. These handle towing, escorting and mooring of gas carriers.

 

Deliveries in East Africa

 

East Africa also received new tonnage. Damen delivered a smaller tug to Tanzania. This vessel serves operations in Zanzibar. It follows an ASD 1810 design. It was built in Changde, China.

This delivery reflects broader regional demand. Smaller tugs suit certain port operations. The vessel offers appropriate output for its role. Its delivery adds to East African towage capacity. This complements the larger deliveries elsewhere on the continent.

 

The North African Expansion

 

Tunisia invested in a fleet of harbour tugs. It took delivery of six tugboats from Med Marine. These arrived in late 2025 and early 2026. They support ships at upgraded Tunisian ports. This represents a significant fleet renewal.

The vessels share a consistent design. All six follow a RAmparts 2800 design. They measure 26 metres in length. They offer 60 tonnes of bollard pull ahead. Firefighting capability completes their specifications. Together these deliveries reflect widespread African port investment.