A team from Sanmar Shipyards is delivering a new-build high-performance tug designed to work in the harshest of conditions to Scottish operator Targe Towing.

Known as BIGAÇAY Xl while under construction the tug, which has been renamed CAMPERDOWN by its new owners, is on its way from Turkiye to its new home port of Aberdeen.

Targe Towing provides harbour and terminal towage, and associated marine services,  around the UK, specialising in supporting vessel including the offshore wind industry and other complex towage projects.

Following feedback from Targe Towing CAMPERDOWN has an enhanced design based on the exclusive-to-Sanmar RAstar 2900SX from Canadian naval architects, Robert Allan Ltd, primarily intended for demanding escort operations in exposed areas where exceptional seakeeping capabilities are crucial.

Measuring 29.4m LOA, with a 13.3m moulded breadth, 5.5m moulded depth and 5.75m design draft, the tug can achieve a hefty minimum of 85 tonnes of bollard pull ahead and astern. Its escort towing and seakeeping performance is significantly enhanced by its unique sponsored hull form.

CAMPERDOWN, which has FiFi 1 fire-fighting capability, can achieve a free running speed of 13 knots, has both a forward and aft winch and accommodation for a crew of eight.  In addition, the tug is equipped with dispersant and spraying system.

Targe Towing is a long-term client of Sanmar and CAMPERDOWN will join Sanmar-built tugs BALMERINO delivered in 2023, CORMORANT and GANNET (2021), QUEENSFERRY (2020), PETEREL (2019), CRAIGLEITH (2019) and KITTIWAKE (2018) in the Scottish operator’s fleet.

Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said: “CAMPERDOWN has been built to operate in harsh and challenging sea conditions such as those often found off the north east of Scotland. This is a powerful, yet relatively compact tug, which has been constructed to take the North Sea in its stride.   We are delighted that Targe Towing has once again come to us to provide it with another of the specialist tugs it needs for the tough conditions it often faces.”