Svitzer Welcomes First of Three Newbuild Tugs for Oman LNG Terminal

Svitzer has welcomed the first of three newbuild harbour tugs in Oman as part of a fleet modernisation campaign supporting the Oman LNG terminal at Qalhat. The 23-metre azimuth stern drive tug Masirah arrived from China to support gas carriers at the terminal. The investment follows a nine-year contract secured in January 2025, which covers towage and support services and will raise Svitzer's Oman fleet to 15 tugs.

 

Arrival of the First Tug

 

Svitzer has taken delivery of a new harbour tug in Oman. The vessel is the first of three newbuild tugs. It forms part of the company's fleet modernisation campaign. This campaign is taking place in Oman. It comes amid uncertain geopolitics in the Middle East.

The vessel arrived after a voyage from its shipyard. The tug Masirah reached Oman following a sea journey from China. It was built by Cheoy Lee Shipyards at the Hin Lee Shipyard. This yard is located in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. The vessel is now ready to begin service in Oman.

 

The Vessel's Specifications

 

Masirah is designed for demanding harbour operations. It is a 23-metre azimuth stern drive tugboat. It was built to Robert Allan's RAmparts 2300-CL design. The vessel is intended to support gas carriers at an LNG terminal. This makes it suited to the specific needs of the Qalhat facility.

The tug carries equipment for its specialised role. It features a FiFi1 fire-fighting system. It also has a double-drum winch on the forward deck. This winch supports ship towing and escort duties. These capabilities equip the vessel for LNG terminal operations.

 

The Oman LNG Contract

 

The investment stems from a significant long-term contract. Svitzer secured the contract from Oman LNG in January 2025. It covers towage and other services for nine years. The work supports operations at the Oman LNG export terminal at Qalhat. This provides a stable foundation for the fleet investment.

The contract covers a range of services and vessels. It includes the time charter of four newbuild tugs. These offer 65 tonnes of bollard pull. They support tankers transporting LNG and natural-gas liquids. The scope also covers fire-fighting, escort, pilot boarding and diving support since January 2026.

 

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Fleet Modernisation

 

The company is progressively renewing its Oman fleet. It took over four tugboats from a former contractor. It then ordered newbuilds from Cheoy Lee and an Omani shipyard. Three of the four existing tugs will be replaced in August 2026. The replacements are newbuild, FiFi-ready tugs with around 70 tonnes of bollard pull.

One replacement vessel marks a national milestone. This includes Asyad, the first tug ever built in Oman. Building a tug domestically represents a significant development. It reflects growing local shipbuilding capability. This adds a notable dimension to the fleet renewal programme.

 

Svitzer's Broader Oman Presence

 

The new tugs expand the company's Omani operations considerably. The additions will raise Svitzer's Oman fleet to 15 tugs. These vessels support several major clients in the country. These include the state-backed Petroleum Development Oman at Mina Al Fahal. The Sohar Industrial Port Co and Oman India Fertiliser Co are also served.

The company emphasises strong local workforce integration. Around 83 to 94 percent of vessel crews are sourced from Oman. This proportion varies depending on the specific site. This reflects a commitment to local employment. It strengthens the company's ties to the host nation.

 

Regional Operations

 

Svitzer maintains a broad presence across the Middle East. It also operates tugs in Bahrain within the region. It has been a partner in the Nakilat SvitzerWijsmuller joint venture since 2006. This venture provides towage, escort and berthing services. It operates at Ras Laffan and Halul Island.

This regional footprint reflects a sustained commitment. Operating across multiple Middle Eastern locations broadens the company's reach. The Oman investment strengthens one part of this wider presence. It reinforces the company's position in a strategically important region. This positions Svitzer to serve the region's energy shipping needs.