ONEX Shipyards and Technologies Group, a prominent Greek-American shipbuilding consortium, has formalised a strategic partnership with MAN Energy Solutions SE for the procurement of main propulsion engines designated for their forthcoming RAstar 2800-class tugboats.The agreement, ratified on 17 December 2024, encompasses the acquisition of 20 engine sets, each comprising dual MAN 16V175D-MM engines, each delivering 2,560 kW at 1,800 rpm. This initial procurement totals 40 engines, with provisions for an additional 20 sets, potentially culminating in 80 engines. The construction of these tugboats is slated for ONEX's shipyards located in Elefsina and Syros, Greece. This collaboration follows ONEX's exclusive licensing agreement with the esteemed Canadian naval architecture firm, Robert Allan Ltd., granting ONEX rights to construct up to 40 RAstar 2800-class tugboats over the ensuing five years. The RAstar 2800 design is renowned for its high-performance escort capabilities, attributed to its unique sponsoned hull form, which enhances seakeeping and escort performance. The financial magnitude of this venture is substantial, with the engine order alone valued in the tens of millions of euros. The comprehensive production line for the tugboats is projected to exceed €380 million over the five-year period.
Panos Xenokostas, President and CEO of ONEX Shipyards and Technologies Group, remarked, "Our strategic partnership with a leading engine manufacturer, such as MAN, adds significant competitive advantages to the new range of tugs." Dionissis Christodoulopoulos, Managing Director of MAN Energy Solutions Greece, Balkans, and Cyprus, noted, "Since 2018, MAN has recognized in ONEX the potential that is emerging not only in the repair but also in the construction activity of Greek shipyards." This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in the rejuvenation of Greece's shipbuilding industry, introducing innovative technologies and contemporary shipbuilding methodologies. It also aligns with global maritime trends towards carbon-neutral operations, as both ONEX and MAN Energy Solutions are committed to contributing to the development of the shipping industry by bringing innovative technologies and modern shipbuilding systems, aiming at the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The RAstar 2800-class tugboats are distinguished by their advanced design, offering superior escort performance and improved sea-keeping capabilities. These vessels are engineered to operate under the most demanding conditions, ensuring the safety of both personnel and the environment. This collaboration not only enhances Greece's maritime infrastructure but also positions ONEX Shipyards as a formidable entity in the international shipbuilding arena, capable of delivering state-of-the-art vessels that meet the rigorous demands of modern maritime operations.
Panos Xenokostas, President and CEO of ONEX Shipyards and Technologies Group, remarked, "Our strategic partnership with a leading engine manufacturer, such as MAN, adds significant competitive advantages to the new range of tugs." Dionissis Christodoulopoulos, Managing Director of MAN Energy Solutions Greece, Balkans, and Cyprus, noted, "Since 2018, MAN has recognized in ONEX the potential that is emerging not only in the repair but also in the construction activity of Greek shipyards." This initiative signifies a pivotal advancement in the rejuvenation of Greece's shipbuilding industry, introducing innovative technologies and contemporary shipbuilding methodologies. It also aligns with global maritime trends towards carbon-neutral operations, as both ONEX and MAN Energy Solutions are committed to contributing to the development of the shipping industry by bringing innovative technologies and modern shipbuilding systems, aiming at the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The RAstar 2800-class tugboats are distinguished by their advanced design, offering superior escort performance and improved sea-keeping capabilities. These vessels are engineered to operate under the most demanding conditions, ensuring the safety of both personnel and the environment. This collaboration not only enhances Greece's maritime infrastructure but also positions ONEX Shipyards as a formidable entity in the international shipbuilding arena, capable of delivering state-of-the-art vessels that meet the rigorous demands of modern maritime operations. 
