First Ever LNG-Powered Tug Completed

Photo Credit: http://www.sanmar.com.tr/

With the shipyard's passion for unique tug boat design and partnership with Rolls-Royce, Sanmar, a world-renowned tug boat manufacturer based in Istanbul, was able to stick to its 2013 schedule and deliver its groundbreaking nautical creation to an off-shore service client just days ago.

Sanmar, creator of over 100 powerful and modern-looking tugboats, is the first shipyard to ever deliver a tug boat of this sort. Powered by US35 azimuth thrusters and engine that runs on liquid natural gas (LNG) built by famed parts manufacturer Rolls-Royce, this new sea vessel is the most innovative, fuel-efficient and cost-effective tug boat ever built.

The LNG-powered tugboat is a result of cooperation between the shipyard team, the owners and designers Bukser og Berging, the classification society DNV and the Norwegian Maritime Authority. The client, Buksér og Berging, named two of the new tug boats Borgøy and Bokn, that were praised by sea savvy onlookers and Rolls-Royce figureheads at a public unveiling in Istanbul last weekend.

According to Neil Gilliver, President-Merchant at Rolls-Royce, "the completion of [the] vessel is highly significant for Rolls-Royce, Sanmar Shipyard and Buksér og Berging." The significance Gilliver speaks of is mainly attributed to the tug boat's sustainability.

"Gas is gaining in popularity as a maritime fuel, and its environmental credentials, combined with lower costs are seeing many operators select it over traditional fuels," Gilliver said. "Most of the world's tug fleets operate close to shore, where emissions regulations are most stringent. As LNG becomes more widely available, I have no doubt that many major ports will soon opt for this clean, lower cost and smoke-free fuel to power their tugs."

The first boat completed, named the Borgoy, will begin full operation next month.