Six new orders in 2004 saw Sanmar enter 2005 with 10 tugs under construction, eight of which are expected to be delivered this year to France, Germany, UAE, Kuwait and Turkey. The company is currently reserving building slots for tugs to be delivered in 2006.

The first newbuild Sanmar delivered this year was the Dogancay Class tugboat Dogancay VII , which was handed over to the offshore services specialist Lamnalco Group as the Lamnalco Wagtail . The first boat to come from a three boat contract for Dogancay Class tugs signed last year, Lamnalco Wagtail is a 25.25m LOA twin screw tug to a design from Canada's prolific Robert Allan Ltd. Propulsive power is by twin Caterpillar 3512B TA engines, each rated 1,500hp at 1,800rpm and driving Lips four bladed Kaplan propellers through Reintjes WAF 663 gearboxes with a reduction ratio of 5.95:1 for a bollard pull of 40 tons.

Lamnalco has subsequently ordered an additional tugboat from Sanmar, an ASD model from the Sanmar Eskort series.

Powered by twin 1,100hp engines for a 30 ton bollard pull, this vessel, Sanmar Eskort II , was already under construction for Sanmar's own fleet and will be delivered to the Lanmalco Group next month along with Dogancay VIII . These Dogancay Class tugs have been modified from their standard design through a successful collaboration between builder and client, and are now referred to as the Dogancay LHT Series, for Line Handling Tug.

The modifications were made to enable the tugs to perform SPM tanker assist, hose handling, and on deck cargo carrying in duties at SPM terminals in West Africa.

The modification process started by deleting the towing winch and moving the 'H' bitt forward. Two capstans and one stern roller were then added for pulling hoses requiring maintenance onto the hardwood covered deck. Ship assist duties include the delivery of a small container carrying tools for installing the pipes to the tanker.

Modifications to accommodation include a secondary WC/shower for the crew and the number of crew berths upped to eight. The wheelhouse features an additional gyrocompass and autopilot, more searchlights, more wipers, and clearview screens.

Lamnalco Wagtail performed well during sea trials, with very low levels of vibration and noise.

Additional modifications to the sister vessels will include doors on bulwarks and foldable masts.

MJ Information No: 20500