P&O Maritime Expands Its Capabilities with ASD Tug ‘Sereia’

P&O Maritime is boosting its tug operations to serve customers in the Port of Maputo, Mozambique with the delivery of a new 60 ton ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) tug, the “Sereia” which will begin operations at the end of March.

The new tug was built by Sanmar in Turkey under P&O Maritime supervision and will join its sister ship, Bulani, a pilot boat and a mooring vessel already working in the port. The vessel is part of a US $15 million package of investments P&O Maritime is making as part of its contract with the Port Authority – Maputo Port Development Company (MPDC).

Rado Antolovic, Managing Director of P&O Maritime, said: “This new vessel will add to our capabilities in Maputo, providing additional assets to handle increased traffic through the port. I am delighted that MPDC have taken the decision and we look forward to working with them.”

The Port of Maputo was built for its strategic position which enables it to cater for land-locked countries and other neighbouring countries on the eastern coast of Africa. Imports are mainly for local consumption, such as rice, vehicles, malt, electronics and also transiting to surrounding countries such as Swaziland, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Exports account for almost 90% of the total cargo handled, mainly transit cargo from neighbouring countries including coal, magnetite, ferrochrome, chrome ore, manganese ore, manganese metal, stainless steel, vermiculite and sugar.

P&O Maritime was selected through a public tender for maritime navigation services support and started its operations in the Port of Maputo in November 2012.

[mappress]

P&O Marine, March 10, 2014; Image: Damen