Rotterdam establishes uniform permit system for port towage service providers

For the first time in the history of the port of Rotterdam, the Harbour Master of Rotterdam is setting uniform requirements for providers of port towage services. A new permit will establish one clear quality standard within the nautical chain in Rotterdam. The requirements are a good addition to the regulations already in force for other nautical service providers.

Port tugs assist sea-going vessels in safely entering and leaving the port, and in mooring safely alongside the quay. Tugs have a long history in Rotterdam, dating back to 1842, when the first tugboat was officially put into service. Tugs play an essential role in safely and efficiently manoeuvring sea-going vessels in the port of Rotterdam. Together with pilots and boatmen, they form a single operational team that works to ensure the smooth and safe handling of shipping traffic.

The mandatory permit for port towage service providers, based on the European Seaport Regulation, contributes to safety in the port of Rotterdam by setting requirements for those providers. The obligation is laid down in the Port Regulations. A tugboat company cannot offer port towage services in Rotterdam without a permit.

The new requirements state, among other things, that port towage services must be able to demonstrate that their tugboat captains possess the appropriate knowledge, training, experience and skills. And tugs must be continuously available: day and night, all year round, for all clients and at all berths in the port of Rotterdam. In addition, it has been stipulated that port towage service providers regularly consult with other nautical service providers regarding working methods and procedures.

'Con este permiso, estamos dando un gran paso hacia un equipo náutico aún más fuerte e integrado', dice el Capitán del Puerto René de Vries. 'Estos estándares claros afianzan la colaboración entre prácticos, amarradores y remolcadores. El proceso fue pragmático y democrático, con aportes del sector. Eso hace de este un paso necesario, con amplio apoyo en todo el sector.'

As of 1 July, the port towage service permit has been granted to two port towage service providers in Rotterdam. Tugboat captains hired by these port towage services also fall under this permit. Once granted, a permit is valid for a fixed period, after which it may be reissued.