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Sanmar appoints three directors in its green tug drive
Sanmar Shipyards has promoted three of its managers to director roles after gaining contracts to build green tugs and acquiring another construction facility
The Turkish shipbuilder appointed the three new directors to drive forward its mission to lead the tug and towing sector into a sustainable, environmentally conscious future, based on low- and no-emissions tugboats.
Tamer Geçkin, Hakan Tunç and Özer İlhan all have long-term experience and expertise in tug engineering and construction and in developing technologies and alternative fuels.
Mr Geçkin was previously research and development (R&D) and electrical systems manager, where he was project manager when Sanmar built the world’s first LNG-fuelled tug.
He becomes R&D and electrical systems director.
Mr Geçkin is currently co-ordinator of Sanmar’s project to build three fully electric tugboats and dual-fuel tugs for Seaspan Haisea. “At the moment the best green option for harbour work is for the tugboat to be powered by a battery, charged from the shore,” said Mr Geçkin.
“This set up works because a harbour tugboat’s operating profile is predictable and can be calculated from the operator’s daily jobs.”
Mr Tunç was promoted from procurement manager to engineering director, after his long-standing work in developing Sanmar’s the Sırapınar, Delicay and Yenicay tugboat series.
His new responsibilities will include assisting senior managers in planning, supply chains and quality management.
“As we all concentrate on reducing the carbon footprint, alternative energy sources are always an important topic in our business,” said Mr Tunç. “The success of implementing new technology depends on the collaboration of the tug operator, designer, major equipment supplier and the builder. These four stakeholders sharing the ideas leads to the project’s success.”
Mr İlhan has been appointed design and development director, having previously been manager for development and design. He will be working with naval architects Robert Allan Ltd in developing innovative designs aimed at reducing emissions, while maintaining or improving performance and power.
“LNG fuel is suitable for deepsea ships or their escort tugboats,” said Mr İlhan. “LNG-fuelled escort tugboats are one of the greenest options at present, because natural gas is
the alternative fuel currently available that can be used to reduce emissions.”
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