Sanmar rolls out world’s first dual-fuel methanol escort tug
Türkiye-based boat builder Sanmar Shipyards has launched the first of two large dual-fuel methanol escort tugs for KOTUG Canada.
This partnership between KOTUG International and Horizon Maritime aims to support Canada’s Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) by escorting tankers from the Port of Vancouver to the Pacific Ocean.
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The tugs, based on the RAsalvor 4400-DFM design from marine engineer Robert Allan, are said to be the most powerful escort vessels in Canada, boasting a total bollard pull (TBP) of 120 tonnes.
The initiative also includes a partnership with the Sc’ianew First Nation from Beecher Bay, which is situated along the shipping route.
This collaboration is formalised through a mutual benefits agreement, aimed at creating long-term economic opportunities, employment, and training for the Sc’ianew community.
The agreement also seeks to integrate indigenous stewardship and knowledge into marine operations within their traditional waters.
KOTUG International president and CEO Ard-Jan Kooren said: “The launch of the world’s first dual-fuel methanol escort tug is more than a milestone for KOTUG Canada; it is a defining moment for the maritime industry.
“These powerful vessels prove that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. By investing in clean technologies today, we are shaping the future of towage and paving the way for the industry to follow.”
The methanol-fuelled tugs, measuring 44m in length, are designed to operate in challenging environments and meet stringent operational and environmental standards.
In addition to escort duties, the RAsalvor 4400-DFM tugs will perform long-range towing, anchor handling, rescue, and salvage operations.
They will also feature firefighting equipment that complies with ABS FFV 1 notation and will possess the largest spill response capabilities of any tugs on the British Columbia coast.
Sanmar vice chairman and CEO Ali Gurun said: “The launch of this radically new tug, the first of twins, is an important day for the whole tug industry.
“It marks a major step forward in the use of alternative fuels to protect our planet. These are among the most powerful tugs ever built, yet have environmental protection at their heart.”
The company currently operates nine all-electric, emissions-free ElectRA harbour tugs across Europe, North America, and Latin America.
In January this year, Sanmar signed a contract with Svitzer to build a fully electric tugboat, advancing greener marine services in Scandinavia.
The tug will feature a 1,818kWh battery pack and a TBP capacity of 70 tonnes.
