FIVE LAUNCHINGS IN AS MANY MONTHS
From its new custom-built construction facility in Tuzla Bay near Istanbul, leading Turkish tug builder Sanmar Marine has succeeded in launching five brand new tugs in less than five months – both ASDs and conventional twin-screw units.
Dogancay XXIV, as the latest vessel is named, is another Robert Allan Limited design and the 26th of this popular and highly successful class of 25.25m long twin-screw ship assist tug to have been built by the company since 1999 – the first two sister vessels were given different names.
Dogancay XXIV, destined to serve the Port of Mersin in southern Türkiye, is similar to its predecessors but is more powerful than the very early models with increased horsepower from its Caterpillar engines to give a bollard pull of 45 tonnes. As standard on Sanmar vessels, only the best suppliers are used with Reintjes gearboxes and Wärtsilä propellers being fitted. The vessel is ABS classed.
Other modifications over the years have brought about improvements to crew safety and comfort, including great steps forward in significanly reducing sound and vibration levels. In addition, the wheelhouse is now fitted with electronics to a higher level of sophistication, mainly incorporating Simrad and Sailor equipment.
Most examples of this Class have an aft towing winch but this has been dispensed with on this new boat which is to be used solely within the confines of the habour – it is, however, equipped with a Data towing hook.
