Uzmar shipyard and tug operator gained ISO 50001 certification (source: Uzmar)
Uzmar Shipyard and Robert Allan Ltd (RAL) said these new tugs will have lower emissions than diesel-driven vessels, enabling owners to meet tightening CO2 reduction targets
Uzmar will build tugs to four of RAL’s new designs with engines using methanol instead of diesel for propulsion and energy generation. These methanol-fuelled tugboats will be offered to other tug owners for more sustainable harbour and coastal towage.
Uzmar plans to replace all the tugboats in its fleet with eco-friendly newbuilds with lower emissions than existing vessels.
The methanol-fuelled series will have overall lengths of between 26 m and 32 m. Three of the new designs will have azimuth stern drives and one will be a tractor tug.
Both companies said the name of the methanol-powered tugboat series will be unveiled soon. Construction of the first of these methanol-fuelled tugs is expected to begin in Q4 2022.
With improved energy efficiency, the new tugs will save a significant amount of annual CO2 emissions, said Uzmar chief executive Ahmet Noyan Altuğ.
“According to our ongoing five-year research programme, when looking at alternative fuels to fossil fuels, the most applicable and efficient choice for tugboats is methanol,” said Mr Altuğ.
“With RAL, we always overcome challenging projects with great success. Signing contracts for this new methanol-powered design series exclusive to Uzmar is a step towards a new era for all of us,” he said. “We aim to start building the tugs in Q4 2022, and we will reveal the specifications in the following days.”
RAL chief executive Mike Fitzpatrick said, “It is an exciting step forward for us to sign these new design contracts with Uzmar. I am confident we will successfully execute these milestone projects as we have done many times together in the past.”
