LNG

Dec 23 (LNGJ) - Dutch companies Royal Boskalis Westminster and Kotug International have reached agreement on the merger of their European harbour towage operations in the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK, including for LNG terminals. The combined operations will be transferred to a 50-50 joint venture bringing together the European harbour towage activities of Smit, a Boskalis subsidiary, and Kotug. The venture will serve 11 ports in four countries with a fleet of 65 tugs. The operations will continue under the name Kotug-Smit Towage. Peter Berdowski, Chief Executive of Boskalis, said: "We have already generated substantial value and experience with this type of partnership at Smit Lamnalco, Keppel Smit Towage and Saam Smit Towage. By joining forces in northwestern Europe we will be able to provide even better and more efficient services to our clients."