SANMAR has launched a high-performance yet compact tug for new customer NEMECA – the first tugboat it has built for Greece.
The distinctive Bigaçay range ASD tug is based on the exclusive-to-SANMAR RAstar 2900SX design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd, and can achieve an impressive bollard pull of over 80 tons.
NEMECA owns and operates a fleet of tugboats in Piraeus, Thessaloniki and Kavala providing harbour towage, open sea towage and salvage services. It also provides suitable vessels to carry out anchor handling, rig moves and supply duties.
The new tug launched by SANMAR at its purpose-built, eco-friendly shipyard in the heart of the Turkish maritime sector, has an overall length of 29.4m, moulded beam of 13.3m and moulded depth of 5.5m.
Designed to accommodate a crew of up to 10 and with Fi-Fi 1 fire-fighting capability, it is powered by two CAT 3516E main engines, each producing 2,350kW at 1,800 rev/min.
With a unique sponsored hull form, proven through model and full-scale testing to significantly enhance escort towing and seakeeping performance, RAstar tugs are primarily intended for demanding escort operations in exposed areas, where exceptional seakeeping capabilities are crucial.
Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said: “This is a relatively compact tug that punches well above its weight, leading its class and out-performing larger rivals. Its seakeeping capabilities are outstanding. It is always pleasing to construct a vessel for a new customer, and we have worked closely with NEMECA to make sure this tug meets the operator’s specific operational needs.”
