World’s first LNG tractor tug with VSP propulsion launched

Sultanhani is the first of two vessels Uzmar is building with two Voith Schneider Propellers (VSPs) and two 3,000-kW dual-fuel engines for Turkish tug operator Botas.

These 39-m tugboats are being built to Robert Allan Ltd’s TRAktor V3900-DF design with a moulded beam of 15 m, a moulded hull depth of 6 m and an expected bollard pull of 80 tonnes.

Robert Allan said using VSPs and dual-fuel engines will enable these tugs to be operated with greater manoeuvrability and reduce emissions when burning LNG fuel.

When operating on diesel oil alone, emissions will be lower than other vessels as these tractor tugs will have an aftertreatment unit installed to remove NOx from the exhaust, meaning they will comply with IMO Tier III regulations.

Robert Allan designed the propulsion system set-up, tank positions and vessel layout to store 40 m³ of LNG and 164 m³ of diesel oil, and to minimise hazards and risks on these two tractor tugs.

“Due to the forward location of the VSP units, the LNG tank hold is located aft of the engineroom, separating the gas system and any associated hazardous areas from the accommodation block,” said Robert Allan.

Uzmar will commission and outfit Sultanhani after its launch in February 2024, with sea trials and delivery scheduled for later this year, followed by the sister vessel.

These tugs have a FiFi1 fire-fighting system and escort-class, double-drum winch aft for manoeuvring and handling gas tankers at terminals in Turkey.

Botas operates oil and gas export and import terminals and tugboats working at these ports in Turkey.