Signings Signal more choice from Sanmar
Customer demand has again prompted Sanmar, Turkey’s trail-blazing tug builder, to sign more deals with the world’s acknowledged leading tug design team.
At the recent Tugnology conference and exhibition held in London, senior officials of two of the leading participants, Robert Allan Ltd of Vancouver, Canada, and Sanmar Marine of Tuzla, Turkey, ceremonially put pen to paper.
The two deals further extends Sanmar’s already impressive portfolio of ASD tug designs.
The impetus behind one of the new designs was the decision by the Turkish Authorities to require more maneuverability in the tugs at its disposal at many of the country’s small ports where the 30-tonne bollard pull, 18m twin-screw Sanmar Class model has hitherto remained supreme, with more than 35 of this type delivered so far. A special “Sanmar Exclusive” similar-sized version but with azimuthing stern drive (ASD) propulsion is being drawn up, designated the Rascal 1800SX, to provide a very compact and agile tug with more than enough power to meet the requirements.
The second vessel in the design deal between designer and builder is the requirement from established customer, Bukser og Berging in Norway for a versatile and extremely maneuverable line-handling boat. The decision was soon made to opt for the Robert Allan Ltd 1500 RAscal design, also with ASD propulsion. Designed for maximum efficiency in the performance of linehandling, ship-handling and related terminal support activities, the vessel is equipped with a hawser winch and staple forward, with heavy bow fendering for ship-assist work. A towing bitt and tow-hook are fitted aft for line-handling and general towing duties.
PHOTO:Sanmar A.S and Robert Allan Ltd sign on the dotted line. L to R - Ali Gürün (Sanmar), Jim Hyslop &Mike Fitzpatrick (Robert Allan Ltd) and Cem Seven (Sanmar). Photo courtesy ABR Ltd