• Sanmar Shipyards of Turkey is currently building the third ship of the VectRA 3000 series equipped with Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP).
• Outstanding efficiency performance of the VSP reduces fuel consumption while maximizing safety for the ship and the environment.
• Voith Electronic Control system enables further fuel savings.

Sanmar Shipyards of Turkey is currently building the third ship of the VectRA 3000 series. For this project, the shipbuilder is once again relying on the proven Voith Schneider Propeller (VSP). Decisive factors were the high reliability and performance of the propellers on the other two ships: “The outstanding efficiency of the Voith Schneider Propeller minimizes performance requirements and thus reduces fuel consumption while maximizing safety for the ship and the environment”, says Ali Gurun, Vice President at Sanmar about the advantages of the VSP.

VectRA series tugs are high-performance VSP tugs in tractor configuration (Voith Water Tractors), designed for maximum efficiency. Propulsion is provided by VSP type 32RV5 EC/265-2 units with a drive power of 2,525 kW each. The propulsion system driven by two Caterpillar 3516C high-speed diesel engines connected to the Voith units via reduction gearboxes with integral clutches. Each engine offers power of 2,525 kW at 1,800 rpm. With the Voith Electronic Control system incorporated on the tugs the captain is able to clutch-off thrusters at idle. This enables further fuel savings.

The vessel is equipped with heavy duty deck equipment and fendering, appropriate to ship assist service. Towing and ship-handling is performed over the stern using a high-performance, split drum winch. Tow hooks are also installed on the aft and forward decks. The vessel hull is constructed of all-welded mild steel, in a double chine form, the deckhouse and wheelhouse are also fabricated in steel.

The innovative VectRA 3000 Class Tug is a high performance VSP Tractor tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd in close collaboration with Turkish ship builder Sanmar and Voith Group. The tug is designed for maximum efficiency in the performance of towing, harbour ship-handling and escorting of large ships. Performance has been verified with extensive model tests at the commencement of the design cycle. With a bollard pull of 70 tonnes, the design has fire-fighting and oil recovery capabilities and is fully MLC compliant.