Leading provider of intergrated marine services, Smit Lamnalco, has placed an order with Sanmar Shipyard in Türkiye for the construction of a pair of 34m long x 14.5m beam RAstar 3400 escort tugs. This design has been especially developed by the Canada-based specialist tug design team, Robert Allan Limited, for LNG terminal operations.
The sister ASD configuration vessels are each expected to have a bollard pull in excess of 85 tonnes astern and will feature frequency controlled electric escort winches specifically designed for operation in hazardous areas. Other items of deck equipment will also be ‘explosion proof’ even up to the navigation lights. Sensors able to detect gas in the atmosphere will automatically shut off all engine room vents if any gas is present.
These tugs will not only add to the builder’s ever-growing portfolio of available models but will build on its experience with LNG generally. The company is currently constructing two LNG powered tugs which will be entering service for the Norwegian company, Bugser Berging, before the end of the year.
Smit Lamnalco is the leading provider of safe and efficient towage and associated marine services to the oil and gas terminal industry. It owns, operates and manages in excess of 190 vessels, with close to 3,000 staff and is active in more than 30 countries with over 50 contracts. It specializes in bringing the highest standards to onshore and offshore operations in challenging environment.
