Sanmar starts build of tug for Mexico

The vessel, designed by Robert Allan, is a 24.4m-long by 12m-beam tug that has been designed for Lázaro Cárdenas Port, a major container port that is undergoing an expansion transformation.

Temporarily named Boğaçay LXXIX, the tug will have a 75t bollard pull powered by two IMO Tier III CAT 3516E main engines, each producing 2,200kW.

The tug will also be installed with Caterpillar’s SCR exhaust after-treatment system to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. It will accommodate up to eight crew members

“The building of this tugboat marks a key milestone in our growing relationship with Ultratug,” said Rüçhan Çıvgın, commercial director of Sanmar Shipyards. “We have worked closely with their team to ensure the vessel is precisely aligned with the requirements at Lázaro Cárdenas.”

The vessel is likely to have its work cut out in the rapidly expanding port, which is owned by APM Terminals. It has so far spend $165 million on six new ARMG (Automated Rail-Mounted Gantry) cranes ahead of Phase II of its expansion works, which include expanding the terminal area by 65 hectares, thus doubling the terminal’s capacity to 2.2 million TEUs.

Towage company Ultratug, which will take ownership of the new tug, has a fleet of more than 70 vessels and operates in seven countries, most in South America.