Posted on September 8, 2026
The new contract was signed as the first of eight TRAnsverse 2900 tugs already under construction at Cheoy Lee approaches completion ahead of sea trials in Zhuhai, China. Deliveries of the six newly ordered vessels are scheduled to begin in early 2028.
The order reflects Svitzer’s continued investment in fleet growth and renewal through its TRAnsverse tug platform, which the company says provides customers with greater operational flexibility while improving productivity, safety and sustainability.
“Our TRAnsverse fleet is expanding, giving customers greater flexibility to optimise their operations, overcome constraints and improve performance across productivity, safety and sustainability,” said Kasper Karlsen, Svitzer’s Chief Operating Officer.
The 29-metre TRAnsverse 2900 is designed for a broad range of towage applications, from escort towage to harbour operations. The tug delivers approximately 80 tonnes of bollard pull and is designed to be biofuel-ready, IMO Tier III-ready and Firefighting Class 1 (FiFi1)-ready.
The TRAnsverse design combines an omnidirectional hull and propulsion system with a patented half-circle towing staple. Svitzer says the configuration provides significantly greater steering and braking forces than similarly sized azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugs while also reducing fuel consumption.
“The 29-metre version of the TRAnsverse tug is a very versatile design capable of covering applications from escort towage to harbour towage in the same agile package,” said Thomas Bangslund, Svitzer’s Head of Innovation.
According to Svitzer, the design allows the tug to operate in a wider range of positions around an assisted vessel, respond more effectively to pilot commands and perform a broader variety of tasks. The company says this flexibility can improve speed, stability and efficiency for port and terminal operations while allowing the tug to assist vessels of varying sizes.
Ken Lo, Director at Cheoy Lee Shipyards, said the shipyard is pleased to expand its relationship with Svitzer and looks forward to delivering the additional vessels with a focus on quality, service and reliability.
With the latest order, 20 Svitzer TRAnsverse tugs are now under construction globally, with more than three-quarters of the company’s current tug orderbook represented by the TRAnsverse design.
The TRAnsverse platform is offered in 26-, 29-, 32- and 35-metre versions, with configurations ranging from conventional diesel to hybrid and fully electric propulsion.
