#STRONGCONNECTION
#FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP
More Than 120 Years Of Experience With Tugboats
The FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP is one of Europe’s leading tug and towage companies, operating out of Hamburg and with offices throughout Europe. With over 120 years of experience, we offer assistance to seagoing vessels in ports as well as offshore and salvage services worldwide. By joining forces with Bugsier-Reederei in 2017, which was founded back in 1866, we have even added a few decades of experience and know-how to our own history.
We specialize in long-distance towing services for oil rigs, jack-ups and FPSO units in Europe. Combining innovation and maritime expertise, our vessels have carried out major operations such as the Suez Canal clearance in the past. Until 2011, the Bugsier tug OCEANIC secured the German North Sea coast. Since 2010 and 2011, these have been the NORDIC (station: German Bight near Helgoland) and BALTIC (station: in the Baltic Sea off Kühlungsborn). In 2024, the FAIRPLAY-35 was added as an emergency tug on the Elbe (station: Stade).
About Us And Our Certifications
Welcome to FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP, a trusted leader in maritime services with a strong focus on certifications. Since 1998, we’ve upheld ISO 9001 for quality management, followed by ISO 14001 for environmental sustainability in 2006, ISO 50001 for energy management in 2011, and ISO 45001 for occupational safety in 2023. These certifications reflect our dedication to delivering top-tier services while prioritizing environmental care, energy efficiency, and the well-being of our teams. Our offshore tugs meet OVID standards, ensuring compliance with the highest industry requirements.
About Us
Pioneering A Low-Emission Future
At Fairplay Towage Group, we are dedicated to sustainability and advancing greener maritime solutions. As the first German shipping company to implement ISO 50001 for energy management, we strive to set new standards in environmental responsibility.
- Committed to a greener future.
Sustainability
1905 – Foundation
Richard Borchard establishes the FAIRPLAY shipping company. In the years leading up to World War I, he is the first to introduce towage contracts, securing long-term customers for his company.
1905
Lucy Borchard Takes Over
Following the early passing of Richard Borchard, his wife, Lucy Borchard—originally a teacher and mother of five—takes over the company together with her son Kurt, who had already joined in 1929. In the following years, she becomes the world’s only female shipowner, quickly gaining fame as „Mother Borchard.
1930
Global Towage Operations
FAIRPLAY acquires several large ocean and salvage tugs, marking the company’s entry into the global towage market.
1960 – 1973
Expansion to Rostock
On July 1, 1990, FAIRPLAY launches operations in Rostock-Warnemünde, extending its maritime assistance services to the ports of Wismar, Stralsund, Wolgast and Sassnitz/Mukran.
1990
Entering the Rotterdam Market
On January 1, 1998, FAIRPLAY takes advantage of the EU’s new freedom of establishment, offering its services in Europe’s largest port.
1998
Expansion into Poland
In the summer of 2003, FAIRPLAY acquires the Polish tug company Porta Zegluga in Szczecin, renaming it Project Zegluga and providing maritime assistance in Szczecin and along the Oder River. Further acquisitions in Świnoujście and Gdynia follow.
2003
Stake in Rotterdam Towage Company
FAIRPLAY sells its URS shares to Smit in exchange for a 10% stake in Smit Internationale, which is later sold within the same year.
2008
Investment in Offshore Towing
Fairplay continues to expand its services and adopt cutting-edge technologies, ensuring it remains a leader in the tugboat and maritime support industry in Europe.
2009
Hybrid Tugs Strengthen the Fleet
The addition of two powerful hybrid tugs (Fairplay IX & XI) underscores FAIRPLAY’s commitment to environmental sustainability in port operations.
2015
New Brand Identity
FAIRPLAY rebrands all its operations under the name FAIRPLAY Towage Group, introducing the slogan #strongconnection.
2022
LNG Assistance for Terminals
FAIRPLAY begins supporting complex LNG projects, making a significant contribution to Europe’s energy independence. This project highlights the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and transformation.
2024
1914 – 1918
World War I
A large portion of both land and sea personnel, as well as tugs, are drafted into naval service. Due to the food shortages during the war, Richard Borchard purchases a fishing cutter, ensuring that every employee who remains at home receives a share of the catch.
1939 – 1945
War and Restart
Once again, personnel and tugs are conscripted. After the war, 18 tugs remain in operation, though three must be handed over to the Allies as reparations.
1975
Entry into the Offshore Market
FAIRPLAY expands into offshore operations by acquiring the large submersible pontoons Fairalp 1 and Fairalp 2, along with Fairalp 3 from a partner company.
1996
Order for Six New Tugs
In preparation for expansion into the Netherlands, FAIRPLAY commissions the construction of six state-of-the-art tugs in Spain, designed for both harbor and offshore use.
2001
Coastal Protection Initiative
In September, FAIRPLAY co-founds ARGE Küstenschutz, a partnership chartering emergency tugs to protect the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts.
2004
Growth in Western Europe
At the start of 2004, FAIRPLAY and Smit Internationale Rotterdam each acquire a 50% stake in the Belgian tug company “Unie van Redding en Sleepdienst” (URS), providing maritime services in Antwerp and ports along the Scheldt in the Netherlands and Belgium.
2008
Establishing Antwerp Operations
FAIRPLAY and Multraship form a joint venture, “Antwerp Towage,” to provide maritime assistance in Antwerp.
2010/2011
New Emergency Tugs for the Government
The specialized tugs NORDIC and BALTIC, developed by ARGE Küstenschutz for deployment in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, enter service for the German government.
2017
Acquisition of Bugsier Shipping Company
FAIRPLAY acquires the renowned Hamburg-based towage company Bugsier, founded in 1866. From this point, customers benefit from over 150 years of combined expertise in the towage industry.
2023
Innovation and Sustainability
FAIRPLAY establishes the Newbuild & Innovation department to drive transformation processes and develop a sustainable strategy to decarbonization of the fleet.
2022 – 2025
Fleet Modernization
With roots dating back to 1905
, the FAIRPLAY TOWAGE Group has grown into one of Europe’s leading maritime service providers, blending tradition with innovation.
----- Our History -----
Tradition Since 1905
Foundation
1905
Richard Borchard establishes the FAIRPLAY shipping company. In the years leading up to World War I, he is the first to introduce towage contracts, securing long-term customers for his company.
1914 – 1918
World War I
A large portion of both land and sea personnel, as well as tugs, are drafted into naval service. Due to the food shortages during the war, Richard Borchard purchases a fishing cutter, ensuring that every employee who remains at home receives a share of the catch.
1930
Lucy Borchard Takes Over
Following the early passing of Richard Borchard, his wife, Lucy Borchard—originally a teacher and mother of five—takes over the company together with her son Kurt, who had already joined in 1929. In the following years, she becomes the world’s only female shipowner, quickly gaining fame as „Mother Borchard.
1939 – 1945
War and Restart
Once again, personnel and tugs are conscripted. After the war, 18 tugs remain in operation, though three must be handed over to the Allies as reparations.
1960 – 1973
Global Towage Operations
FAIRPLAY acquires several large ocean and salvage tugs, marking the company’s entry into the global towage market.
1975
Entry into the Offshore Market
FAIRPLAY expands into offshore operations by acquiring the large submersible pontoons Fairalp 1 and Fairalp 2, along with Fairalp 3 from a partner company.
1990
Expansion to Rostock
On July 1, 1990, FAIRPLAY launches operations in Rostock-Warnemünde, extending its maritime assistance services to the ports of Wismar, Stralsund, Wolgast and Sassnitz/Mukran.
1996
Order for Six New Tugs
In preparation for expansion into the Netherlands, FAIRPLAY commissions the construction of six state-of-the-art tugs in Spain, designed for both harbor and offshore use.
1998
Entering the Rotterdam Market
On January 1, 1998, FAIRPLAY takes advantage of the EU’s new freedom of establishment, offering its services in Europe’s largest port.
2001
Coastal Protection Initiative
In September, FAIRPLAY co-founds ARGE Küstenschutz, a partnership chartering emergency tugs to protect the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts.
2003
Expansion into Poland
In the summer of 2003, FAIRPLAY acquires the Polish tug company Porta Zegluga in Szczecin, renaming it Project Zegluga and providing maritime assistance in Szczecin and along the Oder River. Further acquisitions in Świnoujście and Gdynia follow.
2004
Growth in Western Europe
At the start of 2004, FAIRPLAY and Smit Internationale Rotterdam each acquire a 50% stake in the Belgian tug company “Unie van Redding en Sleepdienst” (URS), providing maritime services in Antwerp and ports along the Scheldt in the Netherlands and Belgium.
2008
Stake in Rotterdam Towage Company
FAIRPLAY sells its URS shares to Smit in exchange for a 10% stake in Smit Internationale, which is later sold within the same year.
2008
Establishing Antwerp Operations
FAIRPLAY and Multraship form a joint venture, “Antwerp Towage,” to provide maritime assistance in Antwerp.
2009
Investment in Offshore Towing
FAIRPLAY significantly expands its offshore market operations with the deep-sea tugs Fairplay-30 and Fairplay-31, both built by Astilleros Armon in Spain.
2010/2011
New Emergency Tugs for the Government
The specialized tugs NORDIC and BALTIC, developed by ARGE Küstenschutz for deployment in the North Sea and Baltic Sea, enter service for the German government.
2015
Hybrid Tugs Strengthen the Fleet
The addition of two powerful hybrid tugs (Fairplay IX & XI) underscores FAIRPLAY’s commitment to environmental sustainability in port operations.
2017
Acquisition of Bugsier Shipping Company
FAIRPLAY acquires the renowned Hamburg-based towage company Bugsier, founded in 1866. From this point, customers benefit from over 150 years of combined expertise in the towage industry.
2022
New Brand Identity
FAIRPLAY rebrands all its operations under the name FAIRPLAY Towage Group, introducing the slogan #strongconnection.
2023
Innovation and Sustainability
FAIRPLAY establishes the Newbuild & Innovation department to drive transformation processes and develop a sustainable strategy to decarbonization of the fleet.
2024
LNG Assistance for Terminals
FAIRPLAY begins supporting complex LNG projects, making a significant contribution to Europe’s energy independence. This project highlights the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and transformation.
2022 – 2025
Fleet Modernization
With roots dating back to 1905
, the FAIRPLAY TOWAGE Group has grown into one of Europe’s leading maritime service providers, blending tradition with innovation.
