Sanmar delivers four fully electric harbour tugs

The four vessels, named BOTAŞ HİLAL, BOTAŞ BAYRAK, BOTAŞ AY and BOTAŞ YILDIZ, are based on the ElectRA 2500SX design by Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd, and were built at Sanmar’s Tuzla Shipyard. Each measures 25.4 metres LOA with a 12.86-metre beam and 5.55-metre draft, and is capable of 70 tonnes of bollard pull ahead at a top speed of around 13 knots.

The tugs’ propulsion relies entirely on battery banks rated at 5,085 kWh per vessel. Back-up diesel generators are fitted to preserve fire-fighting capability and extend operational range in circumstances where battery power alone is insufficient. Tank capacity runs to 54 cubic metres of fuel oil and 18 cubic metres of fresh water, with accommodation for a crew of eight.

BOTAŞ LNG Operations Manager Erdinç Deli said the tugs were equipped with advanced technology, compliant with international standards, and prioritise environmental and safety commitments, and said the project reflected BOTAŞ’s energy vision and its National Energy Action Plan targets for transitioning to cleaner technologies.

The delivery brings the total number of operational electric tugs built by Sanmar to 13, with a 14th due to enter service soon. The company has also built what it describes as the world’s first large purpose-built methanol tugs.

Sanmar says each ElectRA tug eliminates emissions equivalent to those produced annually by 1,000 cars compared with a conventional diesel harbour tug. The delivery ceremony, held on 27 February at the Tuzla yard, coincided with Sanmar’s 50th anniversary.