Sanmar has delivered two new-build tugs from its best-selling Boğaçay Series to returning client the Italy-headquartered Rimorchiatori Mediterranei Group, the largest tug operator in the Mediterranean.

ORTIGIA, known as BOĞAÇAY LX while under construction, has joined Rimorchiatori operations at the Port of Syracuse in Sicily, together with Augusta Italy’s main oil port and centre for petro-chemical refinery operations, while SANVITALE, previously known as BOĞAÇAY LXIV and delivered this year, will work initially also in Sicily.

ORTIGIA, which was delivered in the final week of 2023, was the third tugboat delivered to the ports of Augusta and Syracuse within a year, joining the Sanmar-built tugs CITTA DI AUGUSTA and CITTA DI SIRACUSA.

Based on the exclusive-to-Sanmar RAmparts 2400-SX MKll design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd, the environmentally-friendly ORTIGIA is powered by two high-speed, electronically-controlled CAT 3512E marine diesel main engines which meet stringent IMO Tier lll emissions standards and each produce 1,901 kW at 1,800 rev/min, to achieve a bollard pull of at least 60 tons and a free running speed of 12.5 knots.

The more powerful SANVITALE, which is also based on the RAmparts 2400-SX MKll design, can achieve a bollard pull of at least 70 tons over the stern and is also IMO Tier lll emissions regulations compliant. It too has a free running speed of 12.5 knots.

Both tugs, measure 24.4m length overall with a 12m beam, least moulded depth of 4.5m and a navigational draft of approximately 5.45m, and have accommodation for a crew of up to seven people.

Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said: “The design and construction of ORTIGIA and SANVITALE mark the high point so far in the on-going development of this extremely popular range of multi-purpose tugs, using advanced technology to ensure that they are our most eco-friendly to date.”

Alberto Dellepiane, Managing Director Italy of Rimorchiatori Mediterranei commented: “always happy to deal with a reliable partner as Sanmar; with those two new tugs our Company continues on his path toward safer more efficient and greener operations “.