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All-electric tug fleet ordered for LNG import terminals
A Turkish energy group has taken a huge leap, ordering electric tugboats to support gas imports
Botas Petroleum Pipeline Corp has ordered four battery-electric tugboats from Sanmar to support gas carriers at two major LNG terminals in Turkey. This green tug fleet will be built at the Altinova shipyard in Turkey to enable emissions-free ship handling and docking at one of the nation’s terminals and positioning for unloading at a floating import facility.
These Dynamo-type tugboats will be operated by Botas at the Marmara Ereğlisi LNG terminal and Saros floating storage and regasification (FSRU) terminal, which Botas LNG operations manager, Erdinç Deli, said “have strategic importance for ensuring Turkey’s energy security.”
Sanmar held a steel cutting ceremony to mark the start of construction of these tugboats on 11 October at the Altinova Shipyard, attended by Botas and Sanmar executives and managers, Yalova harbour master Deniz Kaya and board members of the Turkish tug operator Yalpas.
These 25-m all-electric tugs will be built to Robert Allan Ltd’s ElectRA 2500-SX design with 70 tonnes of bollard pull ahead, a top speed of around 12 knots and accommodation for a crew of up to eight.
Energy storage systems will be supplied by Corus Energy with combined capacity of 5,085 kWh and back-up generator sets will provide range extension power for the off-ship fire-fighting system each tug will have.
Their onboard tanks will be able to store 54 m3 of fuel oil and 18 m3 of fresh water.
Mr Deli confirmed these tugs will dock LNG carriers without emissions at the two terminals using batteries to power azimuth thrusters.
“Transitioning to environmentally friendly technologies is of critical importance for the future of our sector,” he said.
“Our co-operation with Sanmar is in line with a fossil fuel-free maritime industry and targets included in our national energy efficiency action plan, and will be a significant milestone in this transition,” Mr Deli continued.
“This journey we are starting here today will open a new chapter in the maritime sector and contribute to providing a cleaner world for future generations.”
Sanmar vice chairman of the board, Cem Seven, agreed these tugs will assist in the global transition to using environmentally friendly fuels.
“In line with IMO’s goals, the sector is expected to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,” said Mr Seven.
“In this context, the importance of alternative fuels in maritime is increasing. The most suitable solution for tugboats and vessels to be used in port services is electric drive systems.”
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