Founding the Legacy
In October 1999, a pivotal moment unfolded in the maritime landscape of the Tampa Bay area as Marine Towing emerged from the vision of a group of local towing professionals. Their initiative marked the end of a longstanding monopoly on harbor tug services, ushering in a new era of maritime service provision characterized by innovation and excellence.
Old Friends Reunite
In January 2003, a significant chapter unfolded in Marine Towing's journey with the reentry of the Steinbrenner family members. Former owners of the Bay Transportation Corp., these individuals reunited with the Marine Towing group as partners in Marine Towing after six years of hiatus. With Steve Swindal and Hal Steinbrenner, both General Partners of the New York Yankees, assuming pivotal roles as Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, the partnership fortified the family's maritime legacy, dating back to 1852 on the Great Lakes.
How Our Story Unfolded
Stepping Into Leadership
In 2007, Steve Swindal assumed the mantle of major shareholder of Marine Towing, signaling a new phase of leadership and growth. His dedication to maritime excellence was further underscored by his appointment to the Tampa Port Authority Board of Commissioners by Florida Governor Charlie Crist in 2008, a position he held with distinction until February 2020, spanning three terms.
Continuing Our Streak of Excellence
Notably, in 2020, Steve Swindal was honored with the esteemed Captain James McKay Port Achievement Award, a testament to his enduring contributions to the maritime industry. Additionally, two other members of the Marine Towing team have been recognized with the Propeller Club's Maritime Person of the Year Award, further cementing the company's legacy of excellence and commitment to maritime service.
Setting the Standard
Since its inception, Marine Towing has been synonymous with excellence, pioneering innovation, and setting industry standards. With a rich history dating back to the early 1980s, Marine Towing has been at the forefront of introducing highly versatile tractor tugs to the United States. At the core of our operations lies the firm belief that state-of-the-art equipment is not just advantageous but imperative for success in the dynamic and demanding realm of the tugboat business.
Subchapter M Compliance
A significant milestone in Marine Towing's journey toward excellence came on April 19, 2018, when our esteemed tugboat Endeavor made history by becoming the first tugboat in the United States to be issued a Certificate of Inspection (COI) under Subchapter M by the United States Coast Guard. This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance. Subsequently, all other tugboats in the Marine Towing fleet swiftly followed suit, reinforcing our dedication to upholding the highest standards of safety and performance.
Upholding the ISM Standard
Marine Towing's unwavering commitment to safety and operational excellence is further exemplified by our International Safety Management (ISM) System, meticulously developed and approved by the esteemed American Bureau of Shipping. This endorsement reaffirms our dedication to adhering to the most rigorous safety protocols and industry best practices, ensuring the well-being of our crew, vessels, and the environment.
ISO 9001:2015 Certification
In parallel with our steadfast commitment to safety through the ISM Safety Management System, Marine Towing proudly announces its certification as ISO 9001:2015 compliant for Quality. This certification serves as a resounding testament to our unwavering dedication to delivering superior service and exceeding the expectations of our valued clients.
Green Marine Certification
In addition to our quality accolades, Marine Towing has garnered recognition for its environmental stewardship, attaining certification from Green Marine, a prominent green classification organization. This achievement solidifies our position as a forward-thinking industry leader, committed to sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Expanding Horizons
On February 1, 2024, Marine Towing embarked on an exciting new chapter with the formation of Marine Towing of Port Canaveral, LLC. This strategic initiative enables us to extend our renowned ship assist services to the burgeoning Port Canaveral, further expanding our footprint and enhancing our ability to serve our clients with excellence.
Setting Sail With Excellence
Marine Towing's fleet comprises exclusively high-horsepower Z-drive tugs, meticulously designed and optimized for close-quarters ship-assistance work. Each vessel in our fleet is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and manned by a team of skilled operators, ensuring unparalleled performance and reliability. We invite you to explore our dedicated fleet page for more detailed information on each vessel.
Unmatched Service and Expertise
At Marine Towing, excellence is not just a standard – it's our promise. When it comes to meeting the needs of our clients, we spare no effort to provide top-of-the-line equipment, first-class operators, and a premier management team. Our unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that our clients receive nothing short of the best in terms of service, safety, and reliability.
Contact for More Information
Ready to experience the Marine Towing advantage firsthand? Reach out to our dedicated team for questions, bookings, or any assistance you may require.