Sanmar and APMSCO Sign 7-Vessel Contract

Comprising four 80-tonne bollard pull Terminal RAstar 2800 tugs, two conventional twin screw Rascal 1500 line-handling tugs and a pilot boat, the order was confirmed at a signing held at Sanmar’s Tuzla HQ, where a keel laying ceremony also took place for all seven vessels. The six tugs are all Canada-based Robert Allan Ltd designs whilst the pilot boat is from the pen of pilot boat specialist, Alastair Cameron of Camarc Ltd in the UK.

The RAstar 2800 design tugs have been specially modified to suit the requirements of the buyer for terminal services. The four vessels will guarantee 80 tonnes bollard pull astern. 

In addition, LNG protection will be fitted to make the vessels suitable to operate at LNG terminals. All essential electrical equipment will be certified ex-proof, suitable for use in a Zone 2 LNG environment. The tugs will also have a bigger accommodation area.

Commented Sanmar’s project director Ali Gürün: “This was a much coveted contract and we are particularly pleased to have won it. By employing the world’s leading designers in their fields and ensuring best construction practice, we are able to offer a top quality products. This order follows the contract to build five vessels for Smit Lamnalco Australia, bringing the total to 12 for this customer” he added.

APMSCO is incorporated as a private shareholding company owned by Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and Lamnalco Jordan. This latter organisation is a joint venture between Smit Lamnalco and Jordan National Shipping Lines. It has been operating in port of Aqaba providing pilotage, towing and mooring services to vessels since 2007. In addition, the company operates marine slipways, provision supply (oil and water) to vessels, and other services, including the rental of machinery and labor.

Recently it signed a 10 year contract with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for the provision of marine services for the FSRU and LNG carriers of the Jordan LNG project which will be operational in April 2015 for securing Jordan’s LNG needs.