Svitzer has acquired a controlling stake in the Brazilian harbour towage operator, Transmar Servicos Maritimos.
The company will now offer towage services in Brazil. The acquisition is part of Svitzer’s objective of growing in emerging markets.
Brazilian market
Commenting on the entry into this new market, Martin Helweg, Managing Director of Svitzer Americas, said: “Brazilian towage market features sizeable pockets of underserved demand and it has the potential for growth and productivity improvements in both, the harbour towage and terminal towage segments. Our Brazilian division, soon to be renamed Svitzer Brazil, will establish a significant footprint in this emerging market, which is a testament of our confidence in this country and its untapped opportunities.”
Transmar Servicos Maritimos operates in two ports and two oil basins, and has a fleet of 10 vessels and 74 employees. The head office is located in Rio de Janeiro.
Maritime services
“Our ambition is to provide an outstanding high level of professional service and dedication to our clients; Joining forces with the biggest and best maritime service provider in the world, makes this a reality,” added Tarik Darian, Operations Director of Transmar.
“This acquisition is a clear step towards Svitzer’s strategic objective of growing in new markets. Partnering with Transmar Servicos Maritimos combines strong local experience and knowledge with Svitzer’s expertise of reliable and safe global towage services”, concluded Robert Uggla, CEO of Svitzer.
Svitzer Brazil will be managed by Managing Director Dan Estebanez.
Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward