Carola Wagner becomes Vice President at Element Logic
May 4, 2026 at 3:49 PM
ADMA partners with Orbitworks
May 5, 2026 at 7:12 AM
Felipe Gouvêa has been appointed as the Executive Director of the Tug Network Team (TNT). The alliance, founded in 2024 in America and recently expanded to Europe, is entering a new phase aimed at stronger commercial coordination, governance, and service standards within its international network.
Gouvêa brings extensive maritime experience to his new role. Previously, he was the CEO of the Brazilian tug operator Sulnorte and held senior positions in shipping, chartering, port operations, and maritime strategy. He was also involved in the early considerations for the establishment of the Tug Network Team before stepping away from the tug industry for a period. He now returns as the alliance transitions from the conceptual phase to the implementation phase.
Currently, TNT connects tug operators in America and Europe, covering 113 ports in 13 countries with a combined fleet of over 200 tugs. Gouvêa’s appointment signals the alliance’s commitment to becoming a structured and coordinated international platform for customers seeking a credible alternative in a consolidating tug market.
Jean-Philippe Brunet, Chairman of the Tug Network Team and Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Partnerships at Group Ocean, commented on Gouvêa’s appointment: “Felipe brings exactly the combination of experience and perspective we need at this stage. He knows the tug business from the inside, understands the challenges and opportunities presented by consolidation, and shares our belief that the market benefits from strong operators working together. His appointment will help us strengthen the alliance and build a credible international platform for members and customers.”
As Executive Director, Gouvêa will focus on enhancing TNT’s commercial effectiveness, sharpening service standards, supporting future expansions, and ensuring that new members meet clear criteria regarding neutrality, service orientation, reputation, and strategic fit.
Gouvêa stated: “The Tug Network Team was built on a clear idea: independent operators can achieve more together while retaining the strengths that make them valuable in their own markets. The market’s response shows that there is genuine interest in this model. The next step is to turn this momentum into stronger implementation, with the right governance, clear standards, and closer coordination among members. This is how we create long-term value for customers and for the alliance.”
Brunet added: “The appointment of an Executive Director is an important milestone for the Tug Network Team. It demonstrates that we are investing in the alliance itself, in the quality of collaboration among members, and in the long-term value we want to create across regions.”
