Italy Rewarded with Improved Tug Orders
Recent years have seen a considerable upturn in the number of orders from Italian customers for the sophisticated ASD or tractor configuration tug boats constructed by Sanmar Marine at either of its two custom-built shipyards in Turkey.
As in many parts of the world, this growth in demand has been spearheaded by the enormously successful 24.4m x 11.25 Bogacay series – currently Sanmar’s ‘best seller’. It is undoubtedly appropriate that the first example of a newly configured version is also Italy bound. This more powerful edition of the agile ASD, attains an uprated 75 tonnes bollard pull and is fully MLC 2006 compliant having more ‘roomy’ accommodation for a crew of six persons.Other important modifications such as salvage notation and the provision of a rescue boat and a Heila launch/recovery crane to meet Italian rules requirements have also been incorporated in the new standard.
Furthermore, the external fire-fighting system is to full FiFi1 notation and uses a dedicated diesel engine to drive the fire pump to ensure maximum vessel maneuverability even when in the act of fire-fighting. In addition, the mast is now foldable using wheelhouse located hydraulic controls when the tug is operating close to ships’ flares.
Galluzzo, as the first of the new standard Bogacay Class is named, is being delivered to Rimorchiatori Napolitani in Naples and is the result of Sanmar marrying the experience of nearly 40 examples of this class in operation with the requirements of the customer and Italian flag rules. The basic concept is by Robert Allan Ltd but with considerable design input from Sanmar’s own team of naval architects and engineers.
To achieve the higher bollard pull, the main engines have been upgraded to a pair of Caterpillar 3516C units each developing 2350kW at 1,800 rev/min. These drive Rolls-Royce (now Kongsberg) US 255 FP Z-drives with built-in slipping clutches.
Sanmar is especially conscious of ensuring high levels of crew comfort. On this improved model, the floor area of the cabins has been increased and all have been provided with en suite toilet and shower facilities. Furthermore additional convenience features have been incorporated on to the main deck, such as a laundry and separate changing room. The galley and mess room are to the high professional standards for which Sanmar is well renowned.
”The vessel is much more spacious than one would expect for a tug of this size,” comments Sanmar’s Vice President, Ali Gurun.
