Western Australia operator to acquire new tug in 2025

Western Australia-based marine services company Mackenzie Marine and Towage will welcome a new tug to its fleet in 2025 for operation out of the Port of Esperance. Tagon will be operated alongside four other tugs in the owner's fleet, including the 2023-built Lillian Mac.

Hellfire Bay will leave the Port of Esperance after having provided uninterrupted service for 15 years. It will relocate to another port to continue operation duties under the Mackenzie banner.

Tagon will be fitted with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to enable compliance with IMO Tier III emissions regulations. SCR will help remove up to 70 per cent of NOx and SOx from exhaust emissions while using Caterpillar V12 rather than V16 engines to generate fuel savings.

The tug will measure 28 by 13 metres and will have a 10-strong crew and firefighting capability. Duties will include berthing and unberthing operations, escort, and coastal and offshore towing.