SMS Towage acquires tug to expand UK fleet

Sirapinar XV has a bollard pull of 54 tonnes and a free running speed of 11 knots. It is powered by a Caterpillar-manufactured Cat 3512C C rating main engine, producing 1,500 kW of power at 1,600 rpm driving a Schottel rudderpropeller, SRP 360, with a fixed-pitch propeller, which can azimuth 360°.

Sirapinar XV has a moulded beam of 11 m, least moulded depth of 4 m and a navigational draught of 5 m.

It was constructed in accordance with RINA class requirements and has notations for unrestricted navigation, accommodation meeting MLC design, automation and unmanned machinery spaces and in-water survey.

Sanmar Shipyards vice president Ali Gurun said this was the first contract the shipbuilder had signed in 2022. “We are delighted to get 2022 off to a flying start by signing a contract with our good friends and long-term partners at SMS Towage,” he said.

“Our Sirapinar-class tugs have proved extremely popular because of their low-manning operation due to a high standard of machinery automation,” Mr Gurun added.

“They have also been widely acclaimed for their overall design and performance, particularly their manoeuvring, seakeeping and stability performance.”

SMS Towage said on its website it will continue investing for the future with modern equipment and vessels and training skilled hands to operate the equipment.

The UK’s largest family-owned towage company has an apprentice programme providing a combination of onshore, classroom-based learning with offshore experience-based learning. “Our goal is to get today’s youth exposed to the exciting opportunities in the towage industry and provide the training and experience to get the next generation on their way to becoming tomorrow’s shipmasters,” SMS Towage said.