KOTUG Training & Consultancy, the training and consultancy division of KOTUG – and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) , signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership. The MoU encompasses exclusive training of (Escort) Tug Masters, Officers, crews and pilots in Canada by certified KOTUG trainers at the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver, Canada.

BCIT is located on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Nations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam). BCIT has been educating and inspiring students for over half a century on their unceded traditional lands – a privilege for which both BCIT and KOTUG are profoundly grateful.

Facing an increasing demand for qualified maritime professionals in Canada, BCIT is seeking ways to increase its capabilities whilst maintaining its best-in-class training, for which the institute is renowned. KOTUG fulfils this requirement by offering first-class trainers and training materials. As the only ISO 9001 certified tug training company in the world, KOTUG Training & Consultancy sets high standards for the training facilities it uses. With its training and consultancy division, KOTUG aims to create safe and sound operations with respect for the environment and an excellent level of training and competence while safeguarding the well-being of everyone involved. With a fully equipped modern Maritime Simulation Centre, located in North Vancouver, and operating with similar corporate values, these standards are perfectly met by BCIT.

Joint Pilot Tug Master training is requested more and more by various operators, ports and terminals in the world to increase port safety and efficiency; therefore, effective and efficient teamwork between Pilot and Tug Masters is one of the key training programmes to be delivered by KOTUG at the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver.

“We are thrilled with this strategic partnership. Canada is a key growth market, and with its modern facilities, BCIT meets our high standards for training. Our training method combines three components, classroom training,  simulator training using state-of-the-art simulators, and onboard training. This proven didactic approach delivers the best results, preparing students for both expected and unexpected real-life situations. We look forward to starting the training and providing students with our highly regarded KOTUG Training Certificate, contributing to enhanced safety and efficiency in the maritime industry.” says Patrick Everts, Director of KOTUG Training & Consultancy.

“The strategic partnership with BCIT enhances KOTUG Canada’s (a partnership between KOTUG and Horizon Maritime) ability to locally train both existing and future crews in British Columbia to the highest industry standards. KOTUG’s extensive maritime experience combined with BCIT’s state-of-the-art facilities and 60+ years of educational excellence will be pivotal in securing both today’s and tomorrow’s maritime workforce in B.C. This partnership creates valuable local career opportunities, including for current and future Indigenous seafarers, with whom KOTUG Canada is proud to collaborate. We embrace our responsibility as a company and employer to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 92. Adds Laurens Korporaal, Business Development Manager KOTUG Canada.

Steve Perry, Dean, BCIT School of Transportation: “This partnership between BCIT and KOTUG Training & Consultancy represents a significant step forward in strengthening Canada’s maritime workforce. By combining BCIT’s training facilities with KOTUG’s world-class expertise, we are equipping mariners with the critical skills needed to safely and efficiently navigate an evolving industry. This collaboration not only reinforces BCIT’s commitment to excellence in maritime education but also supports the growth of local talent and ensures a strong and sustainable future for the sector.”

BCIT Maritime Simulation Centre, located inside the BCIT Marine Campus in North Vancouver

About BCIT
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is a public polytechnic institution located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Established in 1964, BCIT offers a range of programs including apprenticeships, diplomas, and degrees across various fields such as engineering, business, health sciences, computing, and transportation. With five campuses in the Metro Vancouver area—Burnaby (main campus), Richmond (Aerospace Technology Campus), North Vancouver (Marine Campus), Vancouver (Downtown Campus), and Delta (Annacis Island Campus)—BCIT serves a diverse student body. The institution emphasizes practical, hands-on learning to prepare students for careers in their chosen industries.

Media contacts

Eduardo Reis Ramos
Public Relations KOTUG
e.reisramos@kotug.com
tel. +31(0) 6 2141 0188

[Rotterdam, Date] – Predict Marine, KOTUG, and ProAnalytics are excited to announce the launch of a pioneering feasibility study on the applicability and added value of smart maintenance in the maritime industry. This innovative project, which officially kicks off this week and will span a duration of one year, aims to revolutionize operational efficiency, predict and reduce operational costs (OPEX), and minimize ecological impact.

Traditional maintenance strategies often fail to adequately consider the actual technical condition of systems. In contrast, smart maintenance enables proactive upkeep by leveraging data analysis, IoT (Internet of Things), and sensor technology. Instead of following fixed maintenance schedules, maintenance is performed based on system performance parameters. This approach helps reduce unplanned downtime and avoid unnecessary costs associated with both downtime and premature maintenance.

The feasibility study will focus on risk modeling in relation to maintenance strategies and the required and available system performance data. Based on this, a defined risk model and corresponding smart maintenance strategy will be developed and tested, where system data determines the risk profile and maintenance intervals. This risk and data model will then be linked to the Total Cost of Ownership of a vessel. These factors will form the foundation for an initial business case, outlining the financial feasibility of smart maintenance in the maritime industry.

This ambitious project is being funded by the RVO (Rijksdienst Voor Ondernemend Nederland) as part of the multi-year mission-driven innovation programs. The support from RVO enables the consortium to explore cutting-edge advancements in smart maintenance, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective solutions for the maritime industry.

About KOTUG

KOTUG is a leading maritime family-owned company, offering its innovative towage and maritime related services on a global scale. KOTUG is firmly committed to the highest industry standards of health, safety, environment, quality, and security. Adding value by sustainability-focused innovations, KOTUG provides the complete portfolio based on a combination of long-standing knowledge and advanced technologies. This includes designing, building, chartering, and operating vessels, training personnel, providing innovative consultancy services, and offering comprehensive procurement and logistics solutions on a worldwide scale. The company’s expertise is divided across five pillars: Towage, Training & Consultancy, Intelligence, Subsea and Maritime Excellence. KOTUG is active in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, Middle East, North and South America and the Caribbean and continues to expand its operations worldwide. www.kotug.com

About Predict Marine B.V.

Predict Marine B.V. specializes in Ship Management and Smart Maintenance within the maritime industry. With a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and Total Cost of Ownership, Predict Marine provides innovative solutions that optimize fleet performance, reduce operational costs, and extend asset lifespan.

Their service portfolio includes Full Technical Ship Management, Ship Management Support, Asset Management, and Maintenance Engineering Support, offering tailor-made strategies to meet the evolving needs of shipowners and operators. Driven by innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, Predict Marine is committed to shaping the future of maritime operations and supporting clients in achieving their technical and commercial goals.

For more information, visit www.predictmarine.com.

About ProAnalytics B.V.

ProAnalytics B.V. is a forward-thinking data company committed to helping organizations achieve optimal impact through the strategic use of data. Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, including business intelligence, advanced analytics, data science, data engineering, automation, training, and advisory services.

ProAnalytics drives innovation within the data landscape to optimize business processes, enhance decision-making, and foster the growth and development of both individuals and organizations. They believe that data can reveal valuable insights that were previously unseen, enabling businesses to make informed, proactive decisions that are vital for long-term success. The approach of ProAnalytics is centered on delivering sustainable, future-proof solutions that ensure organizations stay competitive in a rapidly evolving world.

They are committed to shaping a data-driven future where organisational efficiency, human potential and sustainability are at the forefront.

For more information:  www.proanalytics.nl.

New Optiport updates are live! We have refined key features to enhance your user experience and optimise efficiency. Highlights include:

Improved Planning View – More intuitive layout, berth locations displayed, and clearer timestamps.
Integrated Info Warnings – Real-time alerts for AIS signals, maintenance deadlines, and delays.
Enhanced Tug Timeline & Job Replay UI
Better Snapshot browsing & Analysis enhancements

Stay ahead with smarter planning and seamless operations. Read the full Release Notes: OptiPort Release Notes February 2025

For any feedback or queries, please feel free to contact the KOTUG Optiport team via optiport@kotug.com.

KOTUG International B.V. (KOTUG) announced today that it has concluded the acquisition of Kotug Seabulk Maritime LLC (KSM) taking full ownership of the business. KOTUG acquired the interest of its joint venture partner, SEACOR Holdings Inc. (SEACOR) via its Seabulk subsidiary KS Maritime Holdings LLC, owner of the 50% share in KSM.

Established in 1911, KOTUG is a premier, family-owned towage and maritime service operator that offers a variety of towing, subsea, and other marine-related services to customers worldwide. Presently, the fleet comprises more than 70 tugs and barges.

Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO of KOTUG, commented, “Together with Seabulk, we have developed KSM into a renowned, leading towage brand in the Caribbean. We are excited to take full ownership of the business and to continue offering essential support to Buckeye Partners Freeport operations for many years to come, with one of the region’s most modern and sophisticated fleets. Our operations are supported by an excellent team, with more than 93% of the staff being Bahamians, both in our offices and on board.”

Founded in 2017, KSM acts as the exclusive provider of maritime terminal support services for Buckeye Partners’ Bahamas Hub, which includes launch and line handling services. Buckeye Partners is one of the largest independent operators of liquid petroleum products pipelines and terminals in the United States and currently holds the sole operating license for all bunkering operations in Freeport harbor.

Dan Thorogood, CEO of Seabulk, expressed optimism about the transaction, stating, “This is an extremely positive outcome. Over the course of our decade-plus relationship, we not only integrated the proprietary Rotortug vessel into the KSM JV but also into the formerly owned Seabulk US-flag harbor towing fleet. KOTUG is a leader in towing innovation, and I can confidently say they are uniquely suited to carry the business forward and ensure the continuation of high-quality, customer-centric operations.”

Kotug Seabulk Maritime (KSM) partnered with the Falcon’s Boys Club to organize a Back-to-School Maritime Seminar at the harbour aboard the Margaritaville. It was attended by thirty boys from the club who were interested in the maritime industry. A conglomerate of different professions was represented at the seminar including a joint presentation by Kotug Seabulk Maritime and Buckeye Bahamas Hub.

“We strongly believe that the children are the future and we were overjoyed that we could be part of this event and also give back,” said Elcott Johnson, Marine Operations Manager KSM and Buckeye Bahamas Hub representative Kyle Ward. “It was an enjoyable time and the wealth of information communicated to the boys was vast and relevant, there was plenty of time to answer all their questions.”

A back-to-school handout was also conducted in which 60+ young men received school supplies from all the sponsors of the event including KSM.

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KSM partnered with the Rotary Club of Sunset to support the Grand Bahama community during these challenging times of COVID-19 with a donation of laptops to a selected group of children, in preparation for the upcoming school year. “At KSM we embrace the ‘Giving the gift of technology’ action of the Rotary Club of Sunset. We strongly believe that the children are the future and we were overjoyed that we could be part of this charitable donation through the Rotary Club of Sunset and give back to the children. We want to put the great cause of the organization in the spotlight and encourage other companies in Grand Bahama to give back to the community of Grand Bahama in whatever way possible. Together we can make the difference” says Chris Bhalai,  Marine Operations Manager at Kotug Seabulk Maritime (KSM), LLC.

Read the full article here

Chris Bhalai handing over one of the 15
laptops donated by KSM.

Today the IMO Celebrates the 10th edition of the World Seafarers Day. Seafarers are on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing an essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods. However, the crisis has led to difficult working conditions for seafarers, including uncertainties and difficulties about port access, re-supply, crew changeovers, and repatriation. KOTUG Seabulk Maritime embraces this year’s campaign of the IMO to pay tribute to seafarers, acknowledging their sacrifice and the issues they face. But also to encourage everyone to treat seafarers with the respect and dignity they deserve so that they can continue to provide their vital services to keep world trade moving. Help to spread the word by using the hashtag #SeafarersAreKeyWorkers. We are proud of all our fantastic colleagues at sea in these difficult times.

Given the current situation regarding the COVID-19 virus, we want to inform our clients, partners, and stakeholders as follows: at Kotug Seabulk Maritime, the health and safety of our colleagues, our clients, and business relations are our biggest and primary concern.

We follow the guidelines issued by (local) governments, use common sense and stay in close contact with our stakeholders to minimize the impact where possible together. We monitor the situation closely in all areas where we operate. We realize that we are part of large supply chains, as we have been for over 100 years, and we continue to dedicate ourselves to supporting our client’s business in this period of uncertainty, in close consultation with all parties involved. We’re in this together. We will inform all stakeholders directly upon changes in this status quo.

Kotug Seabulk Maritime’s tugs in Freeport, Grand Bahama were requested to urgently assist a container vessel that ran aground at the Freeport Anchorage.

At the time of the grounding, the vessel was under pilotage, and being towed dead-ship by four tugs from another company. The four tugs unsuccessfully attempted to re-float the vessel before calls were made out to KSM. RT Blackbeard, RT Raptor and SD Calypso were immediately dispatched to assist the tugs already on scene. Both Rotortugs® connected to the bow of the vessel, and the SD Calypso connected center lead aft. Three other tugs also pushed on the starboard quarter and another pulled via the center lead forward tow point.

It took around five minutes of pulling before the ship floated off the bottom and could be towed out into deeper waters. The Pilot then released the four tugs initially called out and requested the three KSM tugs take over the entire job. RT Raptor shifted to C/L forward, and RT Blackbeard remained alongside without a line connected. Finally, the vessel was brought safely into port later that night.
All maneuvers were completed safely and conducted with a high level of skill.
Chris Bhalai, Operations Manager of KSM: “Our team did a fantastic job! Something we train our people for, but you never know for sure how things work out until a real-life situation like this one occurs. I am truly proud of our crew! This was also a good opportunity to display the advantages of these highly sophisticated tugs. We’re happy we were able to assist and possibly prevented a greater catastrophe.”

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Hurricane Dorian struck the Bahamas as a Category 5 tropical cyclone with life-threatening winds, heavy rain and dangerous flooding, bringing extensive damage to the northwestern islands Abaco and Grand Bahama. It was the most powerful storm to strike the Bahamas in almost a century and severely affected residents of Grand Bahama including many KSM Employees. In the aftermath of the storm, it soon became clear that there was an urgent need to render immediate assistance to the community.

The KSM team provided direct relief on the ground in Grand Bahama distributing supplies and providing aid to employees affected by the devastation. Relief supplies included water, portable generators, baby products, medical supplies, feminine and hygiene products, were shipped to Freeport immediately after the port reopened. “That’s where our fleet and people came in,” says Rick Groen, director of KSM, “having direct access to boats it is the least we can do.” Crewmembers and the management team of KSM also banded together in unity in the wake of hurricane Dorian to assist each other in clean-up efforts removing debris from damaged and destroyed homes and searching for displaced family members.
KSM remains committed to assisting the community as much as possible. A Hurricane Relief Assistance Plan has been put into effect to further help employees and their families with more long term recovery efforts. Additionally, in partnership with our client Buckeye Bahamas Hub, a reverse osmosis fresh water maker was installed at the Buckeye terminal providing 5,000 gals/day to make potable water available for all its employees and facilities. “We understand this will not take away all the harm that has been done, but hopefully this will at least add value to their ongoing recovery efforts,” says Rick Groen of KSM, “just like so many other organisations, individuals and the international community we will assist wherever possible to help our community.”

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