Supporting the Melbourne Maritime Community

The team onboard Svitzer Eureka recently executed a special volunteer operation relocating the newly restored 90-year-old steam tug ‘Wattle’ in Melbourne. Wattle is one of two operational steam tugs in Australia, and the only small harbour steam tug in Victoria.
The non-for-profit charitable organisation, Bay Steamers Maritime Museum Ltd. requested our assistance in the nursing of the 1933 vessel from the slipway to Victoria Harbour, Melbourne.
The operation ran smoothly with nil issues. A testament to the dedication and expertise of Tug master, Christian Messer and his crew who gave up their day off to voluntarily plan and execute the ship’s relocation. Master Rob Anderson referred to it as “Svitzer Wattle’s most gentle berthing in her 90 years”, highlighting the very best of our port community’s diligence and charity.
A special thank you to Kristin Lee, VIC Operations Manager, Christian Messer, Tug Master, and tug crew Ashton Riddle, Markus Pohl and Michael Catania, for their fantastic professionalism and proficiency in the operation.
Video Credit to Christian Messer.