Tug M/S Drake is christened

On Friday, representatives from SCA, the Port of Sundsvall, the Municipality of Sundsvall and the media gathered at the Pof Tunadal to celebrate the inauguration of Sundsvall's new tug M/S Drake. With speeches, fanfare and a christening ceremony led by ski legend Charlotte Kalla, the start of a new chapter in the region's shipping was marked. The inauguration began with a speech by Johan Stenström, CEO of the Port of Sundsvall, who highlighted Drake's importance for the logistics of the future. Niklas Säwén, Chair of the Executive Committee, and Magnus Svensson, Sourcing and Logistics Director at SCA, then took up their reflections on collaboration and development.

Speech from Magnus Svensson.

A great technological leap

M/S Drake has a thrust of 60 tons, significantly more than the 18 tons that its predecessors managed. With the new boat, the Port of Sundsvall is taking a decisive step into the future. The investment is necessary to meet the demands of larger bulk, tanker and container ships and to strengthen logistics flows in the Port of Tunadal, the Logistics Park, the Oil Port and the industrial ports at Östrand and Stockvik among others.

“Drake will be an important addition to strengthening the competitiveness of the entire region. With increased thrust, fossil-free fuel and icebreaker capacity, we are strengthening the reliability of our transports. For SCA, this means increased efficiency, safer deliveries and even better conditions to grow together with our customers,” says Magnus Svensson, Sourcing and Logistics Director at SCA

The new boat is not only a technological boost but will also provide security for the region's winter transport. With its capacity to break ice, she will keep the shipping fairways open even during the coldest months.

Niklas Säwén, Charlotte Kalla and Johan Stenström.

Investment that strengthens the business community

“Drake is more than a new tugboat, it is a proof that Sundsvall continues to grow as an industrial region and logistics hub. With modern technology and fossil-free fuel, we are strengthening both the business community and our sustainable future,” says Niklas Säwén (S), Chair of the Executive Committee.

The highlight of the inauguration came when Charlotte Kalla, appointed godmother of Drake, gave an inspiring speech about strength, cooperation and faith in the future before she traditionally smashed the bottle against the hull to the tunes of a fanfare from Sundsvall's Cultural School.

“Just like in the ski tracks, I know that the journey can offer both resistance and tailwind – but with strength, cooperation and endurance you always get there, says Charlotte Kalla,” ski legend and godmother to Drake.

After the ceremony, the media and invited guests were able to join a premiere tour of Drake, where water cannons were demonstrated and the ship's capabilities were showcased.

Article partly from the Municipality of Sundsvall’s news text.

Photo: Håkan Sjödin.