Steel cut on first methanol tugs for Kotug

Based on the RAsalvor 4400-DFM design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan, the two tugs 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 claims the tugs will be the most powerful escort tugs in Canada with a bollard pull of 120 tonnes.

Methanol is currently looking like the future fuel du jour, with more and more designers and builders choosing to incrorporate its potential use.

Just last month, Caterpillar, Solstad Offshore and Pon Power signed an MoU to look at future with a focus on methanol.

On February 29, Kotug announced it had taken full ownership of Kotug Seabulk Maritime by buyimg out its joint venture partner Seacor Holdings.

The company’s fleet now numbers 70 tugs and barges worldwide.