Sanmar continues to deliver

SMS Towage are no strangers to the Ulupinar/Ramparts 2400 series of ASD tugs designed by Robert Allan Ltd and built by Sanmar. They already own four vessels in the form of Statesman (Ulupinar XIV built 2012), Yorkshireman (Ulupinar XIII built 2012), Masterman (Ulupinar VII built 2009) and Scotsman (Ulupinar built 2008).

They are clearly satisfied with the marque and have now added vessel number five, the 2008 built Ulupinar III, renamed Merchantman. The 24m LOA, 9.15m beam vessel is powered by twin 1,650kW Caterpillar engines driving Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters delivering 50tbp. The series are known for low noise levels and a high standard of comfort throughout the accommodation

Merchantman has joined sister-vessel Masterman in SMS’s Belfast operation bringing the company’s overall investment in the Northern Irish port to over £9m. Gareth Escreet, SMS Towage joint managing director said: “This is a significant level of investment, and shows our commitment and confidence in the growing level of activity we are experiencing in Belfast … with an operational life here beyond 2030, it allows us to leverage the fleet advantages of commonality of spare parts, training, and vessel familiarisation.”

Closer to Sanmar’s home, two Boğaҫay class fire-fighting tugs have entered service at a new greenfield container terminal at Asyaport (Barbaros/Tekirdağ) Turkey. Named Asyaport Barbaros (ex Boğaҫay XIII) and Asyaport Kumbağ (ex Boğaҫay XIV) they are thirteenth and fourteenth examples of this Robert Allan design, based on the Ulupinar series but with increased beam to improve stability and accommodate larger Caterpillar engines delivering bollard pulls ranging from 60 to 75 tonnes. Sanmar also built a 9m mooring boat as part of the contract.

Finally, Tugs & Towing has been reporting regularly on progress with the seven vessel order for Aqaba Port Marine Services Company to operate at Sheikh Subah Al Ahmad Al Subah LNG terminal at Aqaba, Jordan. It is opportune therefore to include further details of the latest delivery, the RAscal 1500TS line-handling tug Aldaem.

Just 14.95m long with a beam of 8.3m and draught of 2.65m this impressive workhorse has double chines, raked stern, long docking keel and bilge keels. Two 448kW Caterpillar C18 engines drive fixed-pitch propellers producing 14tbp and speed 10 knots. Auxiliary power is from two Caterpillar C4.4 generators. A 15t Data tow-hook is fitted aft and distinctive rope guard over the wheelhouse and a folding mast allows for maneuvering beneath ships’ mooring lines. Aldaem meets IACS 99 and ABS rules for LNG terminal work with explosion-proof external lighting and automatic shut-down of domestic ventilation.

By Peter Barker