Sanmar has delivered a compact general purpose harbour tug from its popular Bozçay Class to the Seychelles Ports Authority.

Based on the exclusive-to-Sanmar RApport 1900SX design from Canadian naval architects Robet Allan Ltd, MAMELLES is a diesel-powered tug designed for maximum efficiency in the performance of ship-handling duties for seagoing ships.

Port Victoria in the Seychelles is one of the most important industrial fishing, cruise ship and super yachts port destinations in the southwest Indian Ocean. It is visited by around 800 vessels a year.

Measuring 19.3m LOA with an 8.2m beam and maximum draft of 2.9m, MAMELLES has conventional twin screw propulsion with twin nozzles and four rudders providing a bollard pull of 33 tonnes and excellent manoeuvrability. It has a free-running speed of 11.5 knots.

Ideally suited to smaller ports and sometimes crowded harbour conditions, the tug is powered by twin high speed electronically-controlled Caterpillar C32 engines, each achieving 970 kW at 1,800 rev/min, which are EPA Tier lll and IMO Tier ll compliant.

The Bozçay hull form has been carefully developed, based on a wide array of previously successful tug designs, to ensure good seakeeping, manoeuvrability, and stability in all types of operation.

MAMELLES is capable of ship-assist work, line-handling, general harbour service and coastal towing, and has overnight accommodation in the foc’sle for a crew of four, including two cabins, pantry, mess, washroom with shower.

The design’s increased beam provides better stability and visibility from the wheelhouse is excellent in all directions. Tank capacities include 26.000 ltrs of fuel oil and 3,100 ltrs of fresh water.

MAMELLES is the second Sanmar-built tug to be delivered to Seychelles Ports Authority, joining the larger 60-tonnes bollard pull tug STE.ANNE, based on the again exclusive-to-Sanmar RAmparts 2400SX design from Robert Allan Ltd, that was delivered in 2020.

Ruchan Civgin, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said: “MAMELLES is an example of the diverse range of tugs Sanmar can offer to meet specific operator needs. In this case, Seychelles Ports Authority was looking for a compact tug that is both highly manoeuvrable and extremely stable. Our modern Bozçay Class tugs are the result of innovative ideas put into practice and lessons learned through decades of experience, coming together to address the many challenges faced by modern port operations.”