This delivery marked the introduction of the new Ulupinar series of vessels designed for Sanmar by Robert Allan Ltd of Vancouver (Maritime Journal - December 2007).

Measuring 24.39m in length overall, 9.15m beam and with a maximum draft of 4.42m, Haina is powered by two Caterpillar 3512T TA diesels developing a total of 3,300bhp. Power is transmitted to a pair of Rolls-Royce US-155 FP azimuthing propulsion units incorporating high efficiency nozzles.

Rolls-Royce also supplied two hydraulic towing winches, mounted fore and aft. Deck equipment also includes a set of 200mm retractable tow pins and a 45 ton SWL quick release tow hook from Data Hydraulics. Electrical power onboard is provided by two 74kVA Perkins generator sets. All three tugs are to be equipped with Skum hand operated fire monitors supplied by SMS centrifugal pumps and delivering 650 cu/m/hr at 14 bar.

Haina is now in service with Remolcadores Dominicanos and employed in shiphandling duties. Delivery of the second tug is scheduled for the first quarter of 2009 and the third one year later. The arrival of modern ASD tugs of this type will represent a considerable boost the company’s fleet.

Remolcadores Dominicanos is a 35 year old, privately owned harbour and deep sea towing company operating a fleet of twelve single and twin screw tugs between 400hp and 3,300hp, three line handling launches and a fuel barge. Vessels are based at ports in the Dominican Republic, giving coverage of the Caribbean, the Southern Bahamas and adjacent North Atlantic waters.