Seven vessel order for Sanmar

The order is an example of tug designers and yards currently experiencing global demand for provision of high specification towing and associated vessels to satisfy the demanding requirements of operating at new LNG terminals. With the increasing attraction of LNG as an energy source, provision of new bespoke marine services at terminals is providing opportunities for designers and builders alike.

This particular package for Sanmar involves four conventional and two line-handling tugs specially modified for LNG terminal duties, from the stable of Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Ltd and a pilot boat from specialist designer Alastair Cameron of Seawork exhibitor Camarc Design.

The contract, signed recently at Sanmar’s Tuzla headquarters, involves four 80tbp Terminal RAstar 2800 tugs and two conventional twin screw Rascal 1500 line-handling tugs. The larger RAstar tugs will be modified to suit the requirements of the buyer for terminal services including the guarantee of an 80 ton bollard pull when running astern. The modifications also involve providing LNG protection for the vessels including where all essential electrical equipment will be certified ex-proof and suitable for use in a Zone 2 LNG environment, they will also have a larger accommodation area.

APMSCO is incorporated as a private shareholding company owned by Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and Lamnalco Jordan. Smit Lamnalco is a familiar name in towing circles: as Lamnalco they were formed in 1963 with an equal partnership between Rezayat and Boskalis. In 2011 Lamnalco acquired Smit’s terminal and AHTS transport business from Boskalis leading to the integration of the two well-established names, the brand Smit Lamnalco was launched in 2012.

Bringing the story up to date, APMSCO is now a joint venture between Smit Lamnalco and Jordan National Shipping Lines and has been operating in the port of Aqaba since 2007, providing pilotage and towing and mooring services. They also operate marine slipways, and supply provisions including oil and water to vessels, along with other services including the rental of machinery and labour.

Recently APMSCO signed a ten year contract with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for provision of marine services for FSRU and LNG carriers of the Jordan LNG project which will be operational in April 2015.

Sanmar’s project director Ali Gürün commented: “This was a much coveted contract and we are particularly pleased to have won it. By employing the world’s leading designers in their fields and ensuring best construction practice, we are able to offer top quality products. This order follows the contract to build five vessels for Smit Lamnalco Australia, bringing the total to 12 for this customer.”

By Peter Barker