Sanmar has held a ceremony to mark the delivery of a new, next generation, multi-purpose tugboat to international operator Svitzer.

The innovative TRAnsverse tug is designed to provide higher steering forces and superior manoeuvrability, thereby being more fuel-efficient and contributing to Svitzer’s decarbonisation efforts.

Held at Sanmar’s purpose-built environmentally-friendly Altinova Shipyard in the heart of Turkiye’s maritime industry on 6 August, 2024, the ceremony was attended by senior executives from both Svitzer and Robert Allan Ltd, along with civic dignitaries, who were welcomed by Sanmar’s senior management team.

Representing Svitzer were CEO Kasper Nilaus, COO Kasper Karslen, Svitzer Europe COO Philip Pattenden, Head of Newbuilding Esben Grundtvig and Senior Project Manager Kim Kaspersen. President & CEO of Robert Allan Ltd, Mike Fitzpatrick, also attended as did the Mayor of Yalova, Yasemin Fazlaca.

Chairman of Sanmar Shipyards, Ali Gürün, said: “This impressive and radically different tug is the result of our ongoing cooperation agreement with Svitzer and naval architects Robert Allan Ltd to research, develop and build eco-friendly tugs of the future through innovation and technological advance. It is the latest in a long line of new, state-of the-art tugboats that Sanmar has delivered to Svitzer over many years.”

Sanmar delivered its first tug to Svitzer in 2005 and this latest hand-over brings the total number to 29.

During the event, the VIP guests visited the TRAnsverse tug and also witnessed DINAMO 2023, Sanmar’s own fleet’s first emissions-free electric battery powered tug – based on the exclusive to Sanmar ElectRA 2300SX design from Robert Allan Ltd – being sailed.

Ali Gürün, added: “I was delighted to welcome our honoured guests. It is only right that we celebrate together what we have achieved through close co-operation – and look forward to what more we plan to achieve in the future.”