Svitzer Bolsters Mediterranean Presence with Strategic Towage and LNG Support Across Egypt, Morocco, and Greece

Svitzer strengthens Mediterranean maritime operations with new tug deployments in Egypt, Morocco, and Greece to support strategic LNG and container terminals.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 8:16 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Riviera Maritime Media

Expanding Strategic Towage Footprint in the Mediterranean Basin

Danish maritime giant Svitzer has formalized its commitment to the Mediterranean market by detailing a comprehensive fleet deployment strategy aimed at securing vital trade corridors. According to recent operational updates, the group is prioritizing high-capacity harbor and escort services to facilitate the movement of global commerce through the region's most sensitive chokepoints. This expansion is not merely a matter of increasing vessel counts but represents a calculated effort to integrate within the local maritime infrastructure of nations like Egypt and Greece, where the demand for reliable ship-handling is at an all-time high due to shifting energy dynamics.

The Suez Canal and Egyptian Energy Infrastructure Support

The core of Svitzer's regional operations remains centered in Egypt, where the company maintains a robust presence across three primary maritime nodes. In the Suez Canal, the group manages four high-power azimuth stern drive tugs that provide the heavy-lift bollard pull necessary for the world’s largest container ships. Beyond the canal, Svitzer’s technical expertise is leveraged at the Sumed oil terminal and the Idku LNG facility, where specialized mooring and pilot boats assist in the delicate task of docking energy tankers. This multi-site operation is underpinned by a significant local workforce, with nearly 140 Egyptian crew members and staff managing the day-to-day logistics of these high-stakes environments.

Strengthening Container Logistics at Morocco’s Tanger Med II

In the Western Mediterranean, the focus shifts to the massive transshipment hub of Morocco, where Svitzer supports the Tanger Med II terminal with a dedicated fleet of five powerful ASD tugs. These vessels, including the recently commissioned 2025-built Svitzer Ouezzane, are specifically designed to handle the massive windage and displacement of ultra-large container vessels. By maintaining a fleet with up to 90 tonnes of bollard pull, the company ensures that one of Africa’s busiest ports remains operational regardless of weather conditions. This operational cluster is further supported by a trio of pilot boats, creating a comprehensive service ecosystem that prioritizes predictability for international shipping lines.