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Botas becomes top global electric tug owner with newbuilds
Turkey’s state-run energy trading group names four battery-electric tugboats after their construction by Sanmar Shipyards
Botas has taken delivery of four fully electric tugs built by Sanmar Shipyards in Tuzla, Turkey, to tow and handle gas carriers at its LNG terminals emissions-free.
Turkey’s state-owned oil and gas pipeline owner and trading group has become the global leader in operating electric-powered tugboats since receiving the four azimuth stern drive vessels.
Sanmar built them to Robert Allan Ltd’s ElectRA 2500SX design, which is exclusive to the shipbuilder, and Botas will operate them at its Marmara Ereglisi LNG terminal, west of Istanbul, and at a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) at Saros in northern Turkey.
Botas said these terminals are of strategic importance to ensure Turkey’s energy security at a time when sourcing natural gas for heating and electricity generation is becoming harder.
Tugboats Botas Ay, Botas Bayrak, Botas Hilal and Botas Yildiz each have an overall length of 25 m, a beam of 12.9 m, a draught of 5.5 m, FiFi-class firefighting systems, accommodation for eight crew members and storage for 18m³ of fresh water.
5,085 kWh of battery banks, supplied by Corvus Energy, store the energy to power two azimuth thrusters generating 70 tonnes of bollard pull ahead, and a top speed of around 13 knots.
A backup diesel generator set is installed, and storage for 54m³ of fuel oil ensures firefighting capabilities and extends their operational endurance.
Attending the naming ceremony were Botas managers, including Botas LNG operations manager Erdinc Deli, and Sanmar executives and employees, including chairman Cem Seven and vice chairman and chief executive Ali Gurun.
“Our four electric tugboats are the result of hard work and strong co-operation and are in line with our energy vision,” said Mr Deli.
“They are equipped with advanced technology, comply with international standards, and prioritise environmental and safety commitments.”
He added that these electric tugs are “valuable masterpieces” and would “add value to our Turkey’s economy and energy sector” when they enter service at two LNG terminals.
“These vessels will be utilised for manoeuvring LNG carriers berthing at our Marmara Ereğlisi LNG terminal and Saros FSRU terminal, both of which hold strategic importance in ensuring Turkey’s energy security,” said Mr Deli.
Turkey is a leading nation for electric tugboat operations and construction, as five other battery-electric tugs work in the nation.
Sanmar, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026, has built the most electric tugboats, with 13 operating worldwide, including five in British Columbia, Canada, and one each in Chile, Norway, Sweden and Turkey. Another new electric tug is set to commence operations in the next two months, lifting this number to 14.
“Combining our half-century experience with our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, we continue our work in line with our goal of shaping the future of global maritime shipping,” said Mr Seven. “We will continue to produce engineering solutions that inspire confidence with our people-centred, environmentally friendly and innovative approach.”
Botas is responsible for constructing and operating oil and gas pipelines, LNG storage and terminals, port services and tanker loadings at the Ceyhan terminal in Turkey. It operates the Dortyol FSRU, Ertugrul Gazi FSRU, Marmara Ereglisi LNG terminal and Saros FSRU.
The 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in association with Caterpillar, 19-21 May 2026. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities.
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