Boluda Towage bolsters presence in Strait of Gibraltar with Resolve Salvage and Fire acquisition

Boluda Towage, a subsidiary of Spain’s Boluda Corporación Marítima, has expanded its global operations with the acquisition of Resolve Salvage and Fire, solidifying its position in the Strait of Gibraltar. The move aims to enhance services and intervention capabilities for both companies.

The addition of Resolve Salvage and Fire, owned by Resolve Marine Group, brings tugs Elliot, Hercules, Rooke, and Wellington to Boluda Towage’s fleet, reinforcing its support potential in the highly-trafficked strait. The company is a seasoned player in towing, marine salvage, and engineering projects.

The Strait of Gibraltar, the gateway from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean via the Mediterranean Sea, witnesses over 100,000 ships annually, representing over 10% of the world’s maritime traffic.

Operating in critical ports such as Cadiz, Algeciras, Gibraltar, Ceuta, and Tangier, Boluda Towage has been actively involved in facilitating maneuvers for vessels on both sides of the strait.

“Boluda Towage, aware of its responsibility and sustainable commitment, is strengthening its activities despite global geopolitical tensions. Following the latest events in the Red Sea, the ports in the Strait of Gibraltar will be the first in Europe to be touched by the shipping lines now sailing the Cape of Good Hope route and will be a key point on the trade routes between Europe and Asia,” the company said.

This division of Boluda Corporación Marítima is currently present on the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Just a year ago, the company acquired Smit Lamnalco, the world’s fifth-largest towage operator.

The acquisition brought Boluda Towage’s fleet to a total of 600 tugboats and an intervention capacity in 50 countries and 148 ports around the world.

Shortly after the announcement, the company revealed a partnership with Damen Shipyards aimed at bringing zero-emission tugs to Europe.

The duo plans to launch its first zero-emission tug featuring a Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 design that will be powered by methanol. The two parties are currently working on identifying the potential harbor that will be best matched to its operational profile.