The global tugboat shipping group Svitzer is reorganizing its management structure in Europe and America.
After six years at the helm of the American business, Arjen Van Dijk will take over responsibility for the company’s European business.
Under Van Dijk’s leadership, Svitzer has experienced significant growth in the region. Today, the company is present in 13 countries in the Americas and operates more than 100 tugs there. “This development is the result of the daily commitment of our experienced colleagues who provide our customers with safe and reliable towing services,” explained Van Dijk.
His successor as Managing Director Americas will be Daniel Reedtz Cohen. The manager has worked for Svitzer for twelve years, including nine years in Brazil, where he most recently also served as Managing Director. “I am honored to take on this role. Together with our customers, I would like to continue to support growth in the region. Towing services are a key component of efficient and reliable supply chains,” says Cohen.
The personnel changes will come into effect on January 1, 2026. Both Van Dijk and Cohen will join Svitzer’s Executive Leadership Team and report to CEO Kasper Friis Nilaus. Svitzer currently operates in 26 ports in South and Central America, the Caribbean and Canada, supporting key ports and industries in the region with its fleet.
Svitzer has recently continued to modernize its fleet: With the acquisition of the first all-electric tugboat from the Turkish Sanmar shipyard and the order for three newbuildings from Rio Maguari in Brazil, the company is strengthening its position in key markets. While the “ElectRA 2500SX” with a battery capacity of 1,808 kWh and 70 t bollard pull marks a further step towards decarbonization, the conventionally powered “Rampart 2300” units are intended to expand business in Brazil in particular, where Svitzer sees sustained growth potential in view of increasing port and terminal capacities.
