Sanmar Shipyards of Turkey said it has won a contract involving seven vessels from Aqaba Port Marine Services Company (APMSCO) in Jordan.
Comprising four 80-tonne bollard pull terminal RAstar 2800 tugs, two conventional twin screw Ras-cal 1500 line-handling tugs and a pilot boat, the order was confirmed at a signing held at Sanmar’s Tuzla HQ, where a keel laying ceremony also took place for all seven vessels. The six tugs are all Canada-based Robert Allan designs whilst the pilot boat is from the pen of pilot boat specialist, Alastair Cameron of Camarc Ltd in the UK.
The RAstar 2800 design tugs have been specially modified to suit the requirements of the buyer for terminal services. The four vessels will guarantee 80 tonnes bollard pull astern.
In addition, LNG protection will be fitted to make the vessels suitable to operate at LNG terminals. All essential electrical equipment will be certified ex-proof, suitable for use in a Zone 2 LNG environment. The tugs will also have a bigger accommodation area.
Sanmar ‘s project director Ali Gurun said, “This was a much coveted contract and we are particularly pleased to have won it. By employing the world’s leading designers in their fields and ensuring best construction practice, we are able to offer a top quality products. This order follows the contract to build five vessels for Smit Lamnalco Australia, bringing the total to 12 for this customer.”
APMSCO recently signed a 10 year contract with the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for the provision of marine services for the FSRU and LNG carriers of the Jordan LNG project which will be operational in April 2015 for securing Jordan’s LNG needs.
Press Release, September 29, 2014; Image: Sanmar Shipyards