Switzer has bagged a 10-year towage contract with the Ichthys LNG project in the Port of Darwin, Australia.

The contract between Switzer and INPEX, which operates Ichthys LNG, is for four Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) escort tugs to assist vessels berthing at the Port of Darwin once the onshore processing facility is up and running in late 2015.

The fleet of four tugs will comprise two newbuilds and two existing vessels and Switzer will build a new base in the Port of Darwin.

The contract, which could run for a maximum of 19 years, also covers provision of emergency response.

“Securing this major contract not only cements Svitzer’s position as Australia’s leadingprovider of safe, reliable towage services, it’s also a vote of confidence in the expertise and professionalism of our local Darwin crews, which was integral to the success of ourtender,” said Switzer Australia md Mark Malone.