Sanmar Builds Final Tug for Svitzer's Sohar Operations

Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar Shipyards said it will soon deliver the fifth and final vessel in a series of new tug builds for operator Svitzer at Oman's Port of Sohar.

The newest tug Svitzer Saham is the third 80t bollard pull RAstar 2900SX variant, Sanmar’s Bigacay class, joining sister vessels Svitzer Sohar and Svitzer Shinas, alongside two other earlier deliveries in 2020 of the 50t bollard pull variant of the RAmparts 2200 (named Svitzer Liwa and Svitzer Barka), Sanmar’s Sirapinar class.

Svitzer Saham's arrival to the Port of Sohar will conclude the current fleet development aims of the operator, Svitzer and Port of Sohar; agreed as part of the 15 year renewal of the former's marine services contract, awarded in early 2019. These five tugs will together deliver a combined 340 tonnes of total bollard pull across the new fleet. Mobilization to the Port of Sohar from Turkey will commence imminently under the direction of a Sanmar delivery crew.

Gary Dockerty, Sanmar Sales Director, Middle East and Africa, said, “The Bigaçay series was developed with our design partners Robert Allan Ltd. (RAL) for Sanmar exclusively and is a variant of the RAstar range described as RAstar 2900SX; compact tugs aimed at ensuring efficient construction while still meeting the customization requirements of discerning clients.”

The design has a sponsoned hull form to enhance escort towing and seakeeping performance.

Jacob Bac, Deputy Harbour Master at the Port of Sohar, said, “The Svitzer Liwa and Svitzer Barka bring a whole new level of towage to Sohar Port. With their sharp handling and maneuverability along with their instant power and good looks, they certainly are a force to be reckoned with.”

Svitzer has previously placed orders with Sanmar Shipyards in recent years for 25 tugs in total, 23 ASDs and two ATDs, employed in the fulfillment of various towage contracts.