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Svitzer adds two newbuilds to Panamanian fleet
One of the world’s largest tug owners is introducing two newbuilds to its operations in Central America
Svitzer has taken delivery of two newbuild tractor tugs from a Turkish shipbuilder for its growing fleet in Panama.
Med Marine has delivered two 25.9-m tractor tugs for Denmark-based shipowner Svitzer, a subsidiary of AP Moller Holding. The vessels have been named Isla Popa and Isla Uva, after a handover ceremony at the Eregli Shipyard on the northern Turkish coast.
Both have since sailed across the Mediterranean Sea and began heading across the Atlantic Ocean from Las Palmas, Canary Islands, on 18 September, to Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, according to Automatic Identification System information. From there, the pair of tugs will then head to Panama to begin ship manoeuvring operations.
Med Marine built the tugs to Robert Allan Ltd’s TRAktor 2600-Z design with 65 tons of bollard pull, a beam of 12.8 m, a draught of 6 m, a top speed of 12 knots, a FiFi1 off-ship fire-fighting system and accommodation for six crew.
This Turkish shipbuilder said these tugs were designed and constructed as MED-T2600 series tugboats for handling tankers, bulk carriers and container ships and assisting their docking at terminals.
They have “an advanced hullform and a powerful propulsion configuration,” said Med Marine.
“This design ensures exceptional manoeuvrability, directional stability and fuel efficiency – key attributes for the challenging conditions of Panama’s harbour and terminal operations.”
With newbuild numbers ER173 and ER174, these tugboats were launched and delivered within the planned schedule.
“The tugs are now set to join Panama’s bustling ports, where they will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe, efficient and reliable towage services,” said Med Marine.
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