Fairplay Towage has joined Tug Network Team, taking the independent towage alliance into Europe and widening its multinational service reach.
The addition lifts the alliance’s coverage to 113 ports in 13 countries, backed by a combined fleet of more than 200 tugs. Formed in 2024 by Group Ocean, Sulnorte and CPT Towage, the network was set up to deepen cooperation among independent towage providers in the Americas, share operating practices and present a stronger regional service offer to customers.
By adding Fairplay Towage, the alliance now links its established Americas presence with a significant European platform. The expanded structure gives shipowners, operators and charterers broader access to towage support through independent regional providers working in coordination across multiple markets.
Based in Hamburg, Fairplay Towage operates in 24 ports across Europe with a fleet of more than 100 modern tugs. Its activities span key locations in Germany, the Baltics, Poland, the Netherlands and Belgium, supported by more than 120 years of maritime experience.
Richard Penning, Head of Global Sales & Growth Strategy at Fairplay Towage, said the alliance strengthens the company’s international platform while preserving the core value of independent towage. He said the link between established regional operators supports wider customer access, local expertise and a more connected service across major port areas.
Jean-Philippe Brunet, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Partnerships at Group Ocean and Chairman of Tug Network Team, said Fairplay Towage’s entry marks an important step for the alliance. He said the move broadens the group’s reach into Europe and reinforces its offer to customers seeking reliable towage support across more than one region.
With the latest addition, Tug Network Team now serves customers across Canada, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, while maintaining the local expertise, flexibility and operational independence of its members.
