Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar Shipyards has successfully delivered a bespoke RAmparts 2400SX-MKII tugboat to Norway’s renowned operator Buksér og Berging, reinforcing both parties’ commitment to sustainable and versatile harbour solutions. The vessel, previously built under Sanmar’s signature Bogacay Series, has been rechristened BEVERand is now stationed at the Port of Oslo, where it will undertake a multitude of maritime duties, from complex berthing manoeuvres to short-range coastal towing.Designed by the esteemed Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. exclusively for Sanmar, the RAmparts 2400SX-MKII platform boasts a cutting-edge Z-drive propulsion system. This configuration optimises ship-handling in confined spaces, offering superior transverse thrust and enhanced agility. Measuring 24.4 metres in length overall (LOA) with a beam of 12 metres and a moulded depth of 4.5 metres, BEVER demonstrates a noteworthy bollard pull capacity of approximately 60 tonnes, ensuring reliable performance during mooring and escort operations in all manner of maritime conditions.Renowned for placing environmental stewardship at the forefront of its corporate ethos, Buksér og Berging has once again insisted on the highest ecological specifications in its latest acquisition. BEVER’s main engines, twin CAT 3512Ediesel units, comply with IMO Tier III emission standards. Equipped with advanced automation and fuel-efficient control systems, the tug minimises noxious outputs and aligns seamlessly with rigorous Norwegian environmental regulations. The synergy between robust construction and meticulous energy management exemplifies a shift toward greener solutions in the professional towage and harbour-assist sector.This newest addition marks the ninth Sanmar-built vessel to join Buksér og Berging’s formidable fleet, with a tenth Bogacay Series tug currently under construction at Sanmar’s eco-friendly shipyard in Türkiye. Slated for delivery in April 2025, the forthcoming vessel will further cement the ongoing partnership between these two maritime pioneers. By harnessing Sanmar’s proven bespoke design process and Buksér og Berging’s dedication to impeccable operational standards, both firms are setting a new benchmark for eco-conscious performance in commercial tug operations.Notably, Buksér og Berging was also the first operator in Europe to take delivery of Sanmar’s revolutionary ElectRAclass harbour tug—an entirely electric, zero-emission workhorse that has garnered acclaim for its silent, efficient performance. Dubbed BB ELECTRA, this trailblazing vessel commenced duty in the Port of Oslo in April last year. Since then, it has completed 81 towage missions over the course of 835 running hours, underscoring the commercial viability of environmentally neutral harbour assistance. Today, ElectRA tugs serve a diverse array of terminals and anchorages across North America, Latin America, and Europe, signalling the global expansion of no-emission solutions for port authorities and shipping lines alike.Speaking about the newest RAmparts 2400SX-MKII handover, Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, remarked:
“Buksér og Berging shares our vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future for the tug and towing industry. We take great pride in engineering advanced, environmentally mindful vessels that enable our partners to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on safety or performance. Each newbuild underscores our concerted endeavour to foster greener maritime practices.”Technically, BEVER carries 78 cubic metres of fuel and 12 cubic metres of fresh water, providing ample endurance for its harbour duties and nearshore missions. With a navigational draught of 5.45 metres at 100 DWT, the tug is well-equipped to handle a variety of waters, maintaining stable seakeeping even in challenging coastal scenarios. Operating on both inshore and near offshore routes, BEVER can seamlessly transition between delicate harbour manoeuvres and more strenuous towing assignments, a testament to the adaptability of the RAmparts series design.The environmentally responsible ethos extends not only to the tug’s propulsion but also to its operational procedures. Buksér og Berging has implemented rigorous protocols to monitor and reduce emissions, ensure minimal acoustic pollution, and safeguard marine ecosystems. As part of these efforts, the Norwegian operator requires every builder to meet strict sustainability requirements—an area where Sanmar’s shipyard continues to excel, particularly through its consistent compliance with the highest international standards and certifications.Meanwhile, the city of Oslo aims to develop its port facilities into a model of eco-efficiency, a vision that resonates with Norway’s broader push towards green energy solutions. By embracing state-of-the-art tugs like BEVER, which adheres to IMO Tier III rules, Oslo consolidates its reputation as a leader in sustainable maritime infrastructure. Such advancements in technology support quieter operations, reduce carbon output, and lower overall fuel consumption—key elements in building the port of tomorrow.As zero-emission and low-emission vessels proliferate, the industry stands at a pivotal crossroads where tradition meets technology. The evolution of harbour tugs, from conventional diesel-driven craft to sophisticated hybrid and electric models, reflects the urgency of combating climate change and cutting harmful emissions. Buksér og Berging’s steadfast commitment to that evolution, paired with Sanmar’s ability to produce reliable, high-calibre craft, ensures that the two partners remain at the vanguard of eco-friendly maritime innovation.With another Bogacay Series tug to join the ranks in the near future, both Sanmar and Buksér og Berging affirm their shared objective of a safer, greener shipping sector. From enhanced towing capability and advanced manoeuvrability to drastically reduced emissions, these vessels stand as exemplars of forward-looking maritime engineering. This ongoing cooperation is poised to spur further developments across the globe, influencing how ports and shipowners adapt to the realities of climate-conscious maritime trade. Ultimately, the arrival of BEVER in Norwegian waters signifies more than just a new tug; it symbolises a collaborative stride towards a sustainable maritime era.