20/06/2024
New addition to the Mackenzie Tug fleet due early 2025 to operate in Southern Ports Esperance.
One of the world’s most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly tugboats has will arrive in Esperance in March 2025 and is set to join the Mackenzie Marine and Towage fleet to further enhance its operations in the port of Esperance.
The new vessels name is Tagon after one of the most spectacular parts of the Esperance coastline.
Mackenzie Marine and Towage holds the contract to operate tug services in Esperance and the new 10-million-dollar vessel joins four other tugs in the company’s fleet – Lillian Mac, Hellfire Bay, Shoal Cape and Cape Pasley.
The Hellfire Bay will leave the Port of Esperance, after successfully providing uninterrupted service to the port for 15 years and will relocate to another port to continue operational duties.
Mackenzie Marine and Towage Managing Director Sean Mackenzie said the arrival of the Tagon in Esperance was a vital part of the company’s plan to provide an even higher level of productive and efficient operations in the major port which services the WA Goldfields region.
“In simplified terms, this new tug is powerful, with 70 Tonnes bollard pull and a free running speed of 12 knots. It delivers on being able to handle the biggest ships along with providing better environmental outcomes which we’ve always been keen to achieve.”
“We’re committed to investing in innovation and taking a forward-looking approach to technologies to drive this business,” Mr Mackenzie said. “This has been at the heart of our plans since this company began as the first and only tug operator in Esperance 50 years ago.”
Mackenzie Marine and Towage is one of Western Australia’s most enduring family businesses with Sean’s daughter Brooke now working as a tug master in Esperance to become the fourth generation Mackenzie in the dynasty.
“In our 50 years of operation we have never been asked to upgrade or replace any of our vessels. This is because we always consult with the port and its pilots on how we can continue to provide the best possible tugs to ensure a service that is of the highest standards.”
The Tagon was built in with in Song Cam shipyard, Vietnam, by Damen Shipyards who have already supplied Mackenzie Marine and Towage four previous tugs (2x 2411 ASD and 2x 2412ATD).
The new class of tug is designed to achieve an improved level of low emission, low environmental impact tugboat operation. Tagon is one off the very few Tugboats in Australia to meet IMO Teir 3 emission standards using SCR (selective catalytic reduction system) removing up to 70% of nitrox oxides and sulfuric oxides form exhaust emissions while using caterpillar V12 engines rather than V16 to create fuel savings and thus lower emissions.
Thanks to her operational flexibility the Vessel can be used for harbour and terminal (un)berthing operations, es**rt operations, firefighting operations, coastal and offshore towing operations.
At 28 by 13 metres, the Tagon is driven by twin Caterpillar V12 engines, has firefighting capabilities of 2400 cubic metres per hour and has accommodation for 10 people.
The new generation, environmentally friendly tug is also designed for emergency response towing with state-of-the-art gear to rescue ships and bring them to a safe anchorage.
“There’s always a risk of a marine pollution disaster on our beautiful coastline and the Tagon’s capabilities will greatly reduce this. This was an important consideration when we commissioned her as this is all part of our commitment to the community and the environment.”
In January 2023, Mackenzie Marine and Towage deployed one of its tugs from Esperance to Albany when a bulk carrier became stranded off WA's south-west coast for over two weeks after a fire ripped through the engine room, leaving the Interlink Sagacity dead in the water.
Mackenzie Marine and Towage is a family-owned company that was founded by the late Don and Lillian Mackenzie in 1972. They started the business with just Don’s fishing boat and a newly commissioned tug to carry out operations in the port. The family business has held the Esperance tug operation licence since then.
Don and Lillian Mackenzie began the dynasty and passed the business onto their sons, Hugh and Fud. Hugh’s son, Sean, is now the Managing Director and his daughter Brooke is advancing through the business and she hopes to eventually lead the company started by her great grandfather.
The company, and the family, have been involved in supporting community groups and sporting teams for more than five decades. One of Esperance’s most popular tourist attractions was named the Don Mackenzie Waterfront Gardens in honour of their contribution to the region.
“We’ve been privileged to be a part of this community which has been at the core of what we do, and what we’re all about,” said Sean Mackenzie.
