Sanmar-Built Tugs Embark on Maiden Voyages [IMAGES]

Image: Sanmar Shipyard

Ulupinar XVII a 24.4 meter tugboat built by Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar recently cast off the docklines at Tuzla, bound for the Port of Mersin on Turkey’s southern coast. Sister vessels Ulupinar XI and Ulupinar XII are also operating at Mersin in support of a 2007 harbor towage contract signed between the port and Sanmar.

Measuring 24.40 m in length overall with a beam of 9.15 m, Ulupinar XVII is powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3512B diesels, each developing 1,650hp at 1,800 rev/min. These turn Rolls-Royce type US 155FP Z-drives with 2,000mm diameter propellers inside Kort nozzles. This configuration gives a bollard pull of 45 tonnes and a free-running speed of 13 knots.

Sanmar notes that the Ulupinar XVII has one single drum aft and one split drum forward winches fitted to ensure operational versatility, one forward, the other aft – both of 100-ton brake load. A towing hook and a set of towing pins from the highly regarded local manufacturer, Data, are also fitted, together with a Palfinger deck crane and a 600m3/hr Skum fire monitor.

Of the Ulupinar series built so far, 11 have been exported.

In addition, the world’s first LNG-powered tugboat, M/T Borgøy, completed her sea trials this month and has started her maiden voyage from Istanbul to Statoil’s Kaarstoe Gas Terminal in Norway. Owner Buksèr og Berging designed the vessel with assistance from Marine Design AS in Norway and features Rolls-Royce C26:33L6PG spark-ignited gas engines, Rolls-Royce US35, 3000 mm ducted azimuth thrusters and LNG fuel system.

All images (c) Sanmar unless otherwise noted.