Boluda Towage strengthens its position as the world’s leading towage operator with the acquisition of Royal Boskalis in Australia and Papua New Guinea

The $600 million transaction expands Boluda Towage’s presence to five continents and strengthens its fleet with 39 additional tugs. In total, it extends its capacity to 232 ports, with a workforce of 10,000 professionals worldwide.

Boluda Towage has taken a decisive step in its international expansion with the acquisition of Royal Boskalis BV’s towage business in Australia and Papua New Guinea. This $600 million operation consolidates the company as the world’s largest towage operator, with a fleet of over 850 vessels and presence on five continents. With this integration, Boluda Towage reinforces its global capabilities and continues advancing its strategy of sustained growth.

The acquisition adds 39 modern and versatile tugs to Boluda’s network, along with operations in 9 key ports and a regional headquarters in Sydney. With a team of 400 new professionals, including seafarers and shore personnel, the company expands its reach in one of the most dynamic regions of international maritime trade. The ports of Weipa, Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Brisbane, Newcastle, Botany, Melbourne, and Papua New Guinea now join Boluda’s network, strengthening its role in the export of essential commodities for the energy, technology, and steel industries worldwide.

This integration not only enhances service capabilities for international clients but also allows Boluda Towage to consolidate its position in Asia, where it already operates in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Timor-Leste. From this new base in Australia, the company can more efficiently connect local resource production with key consumer markets, particularly in Asia, ensuring the continuity of global trade flows.

According to Vicente Boluda Ceballos, President of Boluda Towage: “With this operation, we consolidate our presence on a global scale, being active in all four hemispheres to continue providing the best service to our clients across more countries and ports worldwide. We also aim to support the development and improvement of port infrastructure wherever we operate, always ensuring safety and sustainability.”