Tug Guidelines have been established for minimum tug usage in average conditions. Each vessel is assessed on an individual basis and tug allocation is made with the following taken into consideration:
Pilots may vary the combination or number of tugs used for any movement, depending on experience, prevailing conditions or special circumstances that may apply in consultation with the Harbour Master. The guidelines may vary between Sydney and Port Botany.
Tugs will meet tankers, in the vicinity of Heads. Tugs will meet all other vessels in the vicinity of Fort Denison in Sydney and Molineux Point in Port Botany unless special arrangements have been made in advance.
Tugs will be retained until an effective manoeuvring response is indicated by the vessel or when the Master requests their release. Outbound oil and chemical tankers will retain the services of 2 A class tugs until in the vicinity of sea buoy.
Svitzer Australasia
PO Box 199
Port Botany 2019
Balmain 2041
NSW Australia
Telephone 02 9355 3100
Svitzer operate a fleet of seven tugs with bollard pulls of between 28 and 60 tonnes – three of the larger tugs are permanently stationed at Botany Bay.
BP Towage
PO Box 733,
Botany
NSW Australia 1455
Telephone 02 9695 0700
BP Towage operate two tugs at Port Botany, with bollard pull of 70 tonnes.
Polaris Marine Pty Ltd
114 Western Crescent,
Gladesville NSW 2011
Telephone 02 9816 5696
Fax 02 9897 6847.
Polaris Marine Pty Ltd operates two small tugs, four work boats and a number of lighters for the delivery of stores to and the removal of waste from vessels.