For the first time in its history, the Port of Rotterdam has introduced uniform quality requirements for port towage services, with the Harbour Master launching a new permit system to establish consistent standards across all towage providers and strengthen safety, reliability, and efficiency throughout the port’s nautical chain.
Port tugs assist sea-going vessels in safely entering and leaving the port, and in mooring safely alongside the quay. Tugs have a long history in Rotterdam, dating back to 1842, when the first tugboat was officially put into service. Tugs play an essential role in safely and efficiently manoeuvring sea-going vessels in the port of Rotterdam. Together with pilots and boatmen, they form a single operational team that works to ensure the smooth and safe handling of shipping traffic.
The mandatory permit for port towage service providers, based on the European Seaport Regulation, contributes to safety in the port of Rotterdam by setting requirements for those providers. The obligation is laid down in the Port Regulations. A tugboat company cannot offer port towage services in Rotterdam without a permit.
The new requirements state, among other things, that port towage services must be able to demonstrate that their tugboat captains possess the appropriate knowledge, training, experience and skills. And tugs must be continuously available: day and night, all year round, for all clients and at all berths in the port of Rotterdam. In addition, it has been stipulated that port towage service providers regularly consult with other nautical service providers regarding working methods and procedures.
Anchoring collaboration
‘With this permit, we are taking a major step towards an even stronger and more integrated nautical team,’ says Harbour Master René de Vries. ‘These clear standards anchor the collaboration between boatmen, pilots and tugs. The process was pragmatic and democratic, with input from the sector. That makes this a necessary step, with broad support across the sector.’
As of 1 July, the port towage service permit has been granted to two port towage service providers in Rotterdam. Tugboat captains hired by these port towage services also fall under this permit. Once granted, a permit is valid for a fixed period, after which it may be reissued.
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