Svitzer Manzanillo joins the fleet to provide greater capacity and reliability for the Dominican Republic’s expanding LNG transhipment operations
Svitzer Caribbean Dominicana has strengthened its regional towage capabilities with the addition of Svitzer Manzanillo, the most powerful harbour tug currently operating in the Dominican Republic and one of the Caribbean’s most technologically advanced tugboats.
The new vessel has been introduced to support the continued expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) transhipment operations on the island, providing increased towage capacity and operational resilience for customers handling LNG cargoes.
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 Felipe Quintana, Managing Director of Svitzer Caribbean Dominicana. “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. 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 tugs 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.
Svitzer Manzanillo specifications
- RAstar 3200-SX
- LOA: 32.00
- Beam: 13.00
- Draft, min: 5.1
- Draft, max: 5.6
- BP, max: 86
