Local towage company wins Port of Esperance contract

Esperance-based Mackenzie Marine and Towage has signed a 10-year licence agreement with Port of Esperance to operate tug services.

The family-owned towage company has been providing tug services at the port for more than 50 years, with the new licence marking the continuation of this partnership.

The scope of the contract involves Mackenzie Marine and Towage continuing its towage services, supplying equipment to suit operating conditions, and providing 25 regional jobs.

As part of the agreement, the company is set to provide three primary tugs and a back-up tug, before delivering two additional tugs in 2025 and 2027.

Ports Minister David Michael said ports were crucial to Western Australia’s economic success, connecting local products with international markets.

“[Ports] need quality marine and tug services to achieve this,” he said.

“At the Port of Esperance, tug services assisted the marine pilots with 450 vessel movements to facilitate 13.6 million tonnes of trade last year alone.

“With the Port of Esperance’s large catchment and significant role in our state’s iron ore and critical minerals trade, it’s pleasing that the partnership between MMT and Southern Ports will continue into the future.”

Esperance-based Member for the Agricultural Region Shelley Payne said the contract awarded to Mackenzie Marine and Towage was a brilliant outcome for local prosperity and employment.

“As the deepest port in southern WA with unique conditions, a provider like Mackenzie Marine and Towage offers local experience which is vital to safe shipping operations,” she said.

Mackenzie Marine and Towage also operates tug services at the Port of Bunbury.

MMT’s new $10 million tugboat Lillian Mac with its fire emergency hoses on. Photo: Mackenzie Marine and Towage