New towage infrastructure levy

03 Dec 2024 / Melbourne

Effective from 1 January 2025, a new Towage Infrastructure Levy for Port of Melbourne will be applied to all Svitzer towage services at a rate of AUD$630 per tug job.

The Levy covers the cost of the increased service requirements, including:

  • An increase in the number of tugs able to service Melbourne (from 4 to 6)
  • An increase in bollard pull capability (to 5 x 70TBP and 1 x 60TBP vessel)
  • An increase from two to three tugs under captivity
  • The introduction of a designated emergency response tug
  • New ‘modern tug’ requirement with maximum average tug age provisions
  • Introduction of nine new performance based KPIs
  • Additional wharfage and asset investment costs for the increased fleet size
  • Additional crew and training costs.

The Levy will be reviewed on an annual basis depending on costs and volumes.

The new towage licence provisions help future proof the Port of Melbourne, provide a base to ensure sufficient towage availability, and enhance the safety and efficiency of shipping services. It supports increased operational, emergency response and safety standards and the capability to cater for future growth, including larger vessels.

For further details, as well as information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.