Keel laid for dual-fuel methanol escort tug

The vessel is one of two being built for Kotug, the Netherlands-based operator.

Kotug executives attended the event in Turkey on May 8 and took part in the actual keel-laying process itself.

President & CEO Ard-Jan Kooren and corporate technical manager Marcel van Meel welded part of the keel during the ceremony.

Kotug has partnered the Canadian First Nation Sc’ianew from Beecher Bay, which is strategically located along the shipping route from Vancouver, to provide the service with the Sanmar-built tugs, which will be named SD Aisemaht and SD QWII-AAN’C Sarah.

Based on the RAsalvor 4400-DFM design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan, the two new tugs – the first Sanmar has built for Kotug – will service Canada’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project escorting tankers from the harbour limits of the Port of Vancouver to the open Pacific Ocean through the commercial shipping lanes of the Salish Sea.

Sanmar says the two tugs, which are due to be commissioned in 2025, will be the most powerful escort tugs in Canada, capable of 120 tonnes of bollard pull each.

“We were delighted to have these honoured guests join us to mark reaching another milestone in this important project,” said Sanmar boss Ali Gürün. “Alternative fuels and propulsion systems are a major way ahead for our industry on its transformation journey to sustainable low and no emissions future. We are proud to be at the forefront of this change.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate on this ground-breaking project that not only transforms the maritime sector but also plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability in the shipping industry,” said Ard-Jan Kooren, president & CEO of KOTUG International.