Tug Network Team (TNT) has appointed maritime veteran Felipe Gouvêa as Executive Director, signaling a strategic shift from concept to operational execution for the 200-vessel alliance. By unifying independent leaders across 113 ports in the Americas and Europe, TNT establishes itself as a high-governance, global alternative to traditional giants in an increasingly consolidated towage market.
Sao Paulo | May 5, 2026 – In a move signaling a hardening of competition in the global towage sector, the Tug Network Team (TNT) has appointed maritime veteran Felipe Gouvêa as Executive Director. The appointment marks the alliance’s definitive transition from a strategic concept to a high-execution international platform, bringing a 200-vessel fleet across 113 ports under a unified commercial vision. Launched in the Americas in 2024 and recently expanded into Europe, TNT now enters a decisive phase focused on rigorous governance, service standardization, and aggressive commercial coordination across its global network.
A Return to the Helm
Gouvêa is a name well-known in maritime circles, particularly within the South American theater. As the former CEO of Brazilian towage powerhouse Sulnorte, he brings a wealth of experience across the shipping, chartering, and port operations sectors.
In a notable “full circle” moment, it was revealed that Gouvêa was involved in the early conceptualization of the Tug Network Team before a brief hiatus from the towage industry. His return to the fold is timed specifically to coincide with TNT’s expansion into the European market and its need for a more structured governance model.
The Scale of the “Independent” Giant
The alliance, which brings together Group Ocean, CPT Towage, Sulnorte, and Fairplay Towage, now represents one of the most formidable networks in the maritime world. By the numbers, the organization’s footprint is vast:
- Vessel Count: Over 200 tugs.
- Port Access: 113 ports globally.
- Geographic Reach: 13 countries across the Americas and Europe (including Canada, Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium).
By consolidating the commercial power of these independent operators, TNT is positioning itself as a “credible alternative” to the massive, single-entity global providers that have dominated the market through recent M&A activity.
Strategic Objectives: Governance and Service Standards
As Executive Director, Gouvêa’s mandate extends beyond mere growth. His primary focus will be on commercial coordination and the sharpening of service standards. For shipowners and energy majors, this means a more predictable and standardized experience, regardless of whether a vessel is docking in the Port of Rotterdam or the Port of Santos.
“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,” Gouvêa stated. “The next step is to turn that momentum into stronger execution, with the right governance, clear standards, and closer coordination between members. That is how we build long-term value for customers and for the alliance.”
The Chairman’s Vision
Jean-Philippe Brunet, Chairman of TNT and Executive VP at Group Ocean, emphasized that the hire is an “important milestone.”
“Felipe brings exactly the combination of experience and perspective we need at this stage,” Brunet said. “He understands the towage business from the inside, knows the pressures and opportunities created by consolidation, and shares our belief that the market benefits from strong operators working together.”
Brunet further noted that Gouvêa’s role will include a “gatekeeper” function, ensuring that any future members of the alliance meet strict criteria regarding neutrality, reputation, and strategic fit.
A “Show of Force” in Gothenburg
The industry will not have to wait long to see the new leadership in action. Gouvêa and representatives from the member companies are scheduled to appear at the 28th International Tug & Salvage (ITS 2026) Convention in Gothenburg, Sweden, from May 19-21.
This convention will serve as the alliance’s first major international stage since Gouvêa’s appointment, providing an opportunity to meet with global stakeholders and clarify how this “independent alliance” model will compete for long-term contracts against traditional giants.
Quick-Reference Fact Sheet: Tug Network Team (TNT)
| Category | Details |
| New Executive Director | Felipe Gouvêa (Former CEO, Sulnorte) |
| Member Companies | Group Ocean, CPT Towage, Sulnorte, Fairplay Towage |
| Total Fleet | 200+ Tugs |
| Global Reach | 13 Countries; 113 Ports |
| Operational Focus | Neutrality, Local Expertise, Global Commercial Coordination |
| Primary Markets | Americas (North & South) and Northern Europe |
About Tug Network Team (TNT)
Tug Network Team is a premier global alliance of independent towage operators, bridging the Americas and Europe. By uniting the regional leadership of its four founding members, TNT provides shipowners and operators with seamless, multi-regional access to a fleet of over 200 vessels across 113 ports. The alliance is built on a “local-to-global” model, ensuring that clients benefit from international scale without sacrificing the specialized expertise, operational flexibility, and independence of local providers.
About: Tug Network Team – TNT