TUGZ INTERNATIONAL CONTRACT BREAKS PORT EVERGLADESÆ 43-YEAR TUG MONOPOLY
Tugz International LLC last week was awarded a tugboat and towing service franchise for Port Everglades, Fla., breaking a 43-year monopoly on tug service held by Seabulk International Inc., formerly known as Hvide Marine Inc.
The Broward County board of commissioners approved the franchise by a 6-3 vote. Tugz International, an affiliate of The Great Lakes Towing Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, had been unsuccessful in an earlier bid for a tug franchise.
The company will initially provide the port with two tractor tugs, to be followed with a 5,100-horsepower, newly constructed tractor tug.
From Port Everglades, the company hopes to expand its tugboat, barge and repair operations to other ports and the Caribbean as a link to its Puerto Rico operation.