TOW MANAGEMENT

END-TO-END COORDINATION FOR TOWING AND HEAVY LIFT OPERATIONS 

Towing and heavy lift operations demand precision, experience, and seamless coordination across multiple stakeholders. At Austen Maritime Services, we provide comprehensive Tow Management support—from planning and documentation to execution and delivery—ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations across Asia Pacific. 

Whether managing offshore relocations, project cargo movements, or complex multi-port tows, our team delivers tailored solutions that reduce risk and enhance control.

4 Austen team members in an office speaking
OPERATIONAL PLANNING & STAKEHOLDER COORDINATION

We arrange and facilitate meetings with all key parties, including ship owners, client representatives, port authorities, tug operators, contractors, and vendors. Our team ensures alignment on scope, timelines, and safety protocols from the outset.

Tug boat beside a red ship
PRE-INSPECTION & SUITABILITY SURVEYS

We oversee pre-inspections and suitability assessments of towing tugs and support vessels, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards before mobilisation. 

laptop with graphics around it
DOCUMENTATION & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Our team prepares comprehensive Tow Manuals, Passage Plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in line with regulatory requirements, including those set by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA).

A pilot boat
PILOTAGE & EQUIPMENT COORDINATION

We manage the hiring and scheduling of qualified pilots, towing tugs, helicopters, and other specialised equipment required for safe navigation and execution of the tow. 

Man on the bridge of a ship looking through binoculars
CREW & TECHNICAL SUPPORT

We provide experienced tow masters and riding crew members to oversee operations, ensuring technical integrity and real-time decision-making throughout the journey. 

Large ship on a calm sea at sunrise
PORT CLEARANCE & AGENCY SUPPORT

We handle immigration and port clearance procedures and provide full ship agency support at both delivery and re-delivery ports, managing all logistics and documentation. 

WHY CHOOSE AUSTEN? 
  • Care: We prioritise safety and operational integrity at every stage of the tow 
  • Innovation: Our planning and documentation systems streamline complex multi-party operations 
  • Performance: We deliver reliable, compliant tow management that protects assets and timelines