NEWCASTLE’s newest tug boat, the Svitzer Glenrock, was officially launched at a wharfside ceremony on Thursday evening.
Designed by Dutch shipbuilder Damen and built in Vietnam, the Glenrock is 32 metres long with a 12-metre beam. With an 85-tonne bollard-pull – the measure of tug strength – the Glenrock is substantially more powerful than most boats its size.
With its name drawn from suggestions by Svitzer’s Newcastle staff, the Glenrock is one of eight of the company’s tugs operating in the port.
She was christened with the traditional bottle by the Port Authority of NSW’s chief operating officer, Emma Fensom.
The ceremony was attended by various industry and political representatives including Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, Newcastle lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes and the Port of Newcastle’s chairman Roy Green and its chief executive Craig Carmody.
Svitzer’s global chief executive, Henriette Thygesen, told the gathering: “A ship has a soul. This is not mere old-fashioned superstition but in fact it is commonly believed, even in modern times, that a ship is almost like a living being.
“The naming ceremonies are commonly known as ‘christenings’ and parallels are drawn between naming ships and naming new =born babies.
“Personally, I really like this way of welcoming a vessel into a family and celebrate same with crews, ship owners, customers and partners. It marks a new area and to me it is a strong image of what we are: first and foremost a people business.”
Ian Kirkwood
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
Reporting journalist at the Newcastle Herald since 1987. Editorial writer, general reporter, industrial relations, industry and coal.
