Sanmar completes another new tug for Bukser

This more recent delivery illustrates further the results of a high level of cooperation between the tug owner and shipyard. In essence, Baus is the sixteenth example of the builder’s popular UlupinarClass tugdesigned by Robert Allan Limited but with a number of changes to meet the owner’s requirements and stringent Norwegian regulations regarding crew accommodation. An increase in the tug’s beam by a mere 40cm has allowed the installation of bigger engines, thus increasing the bollard pull to 55 tonnes and the free running speed to 12.5 knots. Sanmar also claims that a new design of skeg has improved the tug’s manoeuvrability and given the vessels an escort capability of more than 40 tonnes at 8 knots.

Designed for maximum performance whilst working with large tankers and containerships, the hull-form and layout have evolved over several years of extensive operational experience. Baus measures 24.40m in length overall with a beam of 9.55m and operating draft of 5.00m.

A pair of Caterpillar 3512 main engines, each developing 1,500kW (total approx 4,023 bhp) at 1,600 rpm to drive Rolls Royce US 205FP azimuthing propulsion units, incorporating propellers with a diameters of 2,200mm.

The vessel’s electrical demands are supplied by a pair of Caterpillar C4.4 generator sets, each of 86kW.

Other changes and improvements over earlier versions include a full FiFi1 external fire-fighting system and Karmoy hydraulic winches fore and aft, with the hydraulic pumps driven by the main engines.

The increase in the beam of the tug also enabled an improved layout for the living quarters. The footprint of the wheelhouse has been increased, with access on both sides. On the main deck there are single cabins for Captain and chief engineer and amongst other changes from earlier versions is an entirely separate galley and mess room arrangement. Below the main deck the forward accommodation area has been extended aft by two frames to provide two twin berth cabins and separate WC and shower compartments.

At the time of writing, Baus had left Turkey on its delivery voyage to join Buksér og Berging’s fleet in Norway

Still to come from the existing orders from Bukser, Sanmar is in the process of putting the final touches to the second LNG powered escort tug, Bokn, and has two other vessels under construction. One is the Bison, an ASD tug of 75 tonnes bollard pull based on the Sanmar Terminal class of fire-fighting tugs and the other an as yet un-named high performance 15m line-handling tug.