Racing the tide at 10 knots

On Australia’s east coast, in Queensland, we mobilise all our skills and expertise to run a well-oiled operation.

With 20 wharves handling over 30 different products, the Port of Gladstone is one of the busiest harbours Down Under. In addition to delivering first class towage services, our job is to contribute to a flawless port operation. And in such a busy port, this can be quite a challenge.
Although sheltered by islands, the deepwater Port of Gladstone is exposed to many phenomena, both natural and man-made. To make it work out there, you have to take winds, currents and tides into account. As the sole contractor of towage by the Gladstone Ports Corporation, we are trusted to bring all our nautical expertise and operational skills into practice to ensure unhindered operations. With an annual throughput of more than 100 million tonnes already, and even bigger growth ambitions for the near future, it’s safe to say that expectations are high. But as the port grows, so is our focus on excellent efficiency, partnership and safety.

Details

  • One of Australia's finest natural deepwater harbours One of Australia's finest natural deepwater harbours
  • 24/7 operation - 365 days a year 24/7 operation - 365 days a year
  • 10 - purpose build Tugs 10 - purpose build Tugs
  • Mining, LNG and General Cargo Mining, LNG and General Cargo

Joint success

At the start of our operations in Gladstone in 2011, we had five new built Harbour Tugs and a standby vessel in operations. As the planning of three new LNG terminals on one of the port’s outer islands took shape, we engaged in constructive consultations with pilots, port authorities and LNG companies to expand our fleet with another five terminal service vessels specifically designed for the safe berthing and manoeuvring of LNG carriers. Defining all the specifications together with our partners and stakeholders, and collectively striving to deliver the best performance possible, today’s operation truly is a joint success.

Maximise efficiency and operability

For years, Smit Lamnalco has been a dedicated partner of the Gladstone Port Corporation, the landlord of the combined port facilities. We are closely working together, ready to supply tugs and crews where and whenever needed. We work side by side with the local Port Scheduling Department to ensure optimal utilisation or our tugs and crews and an on-time arrival and departure for vessels calling at the Port of Gladstone. Beyond the placement of state of the art, fit for purpose tugs, Smit Lamnalco has invested and continues to invest in training of our crews to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, world-class towage services. Ten to one, we can provide a solution for any logistical challenge.

In for the long run

It is not by chance that we have christened all our service vessels with local and indigenous names. We are in Gladstone for the long run. Following our long-term strategy, we invest in good relationships with our crews, the maritime unions, regulatory authorities, the Gladstone community and shareholders, including the Gladstone LNG companies, shipping lines and the mining industry. As a dedicated partner of the port, we are motivated to share our extensive knowledge gained in harbour towage, mining and oil and gas, and bring international standards on safety, to the operation. Moreover, maximising customer satisfaction is one of our main priorities. As long as the customers of Gladstone Port are happy, chances are the Gladstone Ports Corporation is too.

For more information, please contact Frederik Rutgers – Commercial Director Australia

  • FRutgers@smitlamnalco.com