Waratah Towage News

Tugboat operator Adsteam Marine Ltd. has completed its purchase of rival Newcastle operator Hunter Towage Services Pty Ltd. Adsteam operates in Newcastle through Waratah Towage, a joint venture with Howard Smith Ltd.

Tugboat operator Adsteam Marine Ltd. is aiming for improved profits in 1999/2000 after reporting a 1998/99 net profit of $11.1 million. The company achieved a 1997/98 net profit of $10.8 million. Managing director David Ryan said the company was enthusiastic about improved returns from its Newcastle operations, which were expected to return to profit this year. Ryan said earnings before interest, tax and abnormals had grown 5.8 percent in 1998/99 to $18.9 million. Revenue rose to $77.9 million from $70.2 million, with net earnings affected by a 23.2 percent higher tax provision. "The company was targeting further earnings growth in the current financial year - both from traditional operations and from newly acquired assets," he said.