Within a few weeks of unveiling a new compact tractor tug jointly designed with Robert Allan Limited, Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar has secured an order from a port on the west coast of New Zealand.
Port Taranaki has awarded the Sanmar a contract to build the very first of its exclusive Delicay series, a compact, under 24m rule length design conceived as an off-the-shelf unit with numerous variations to suit customer needs. This vanguard of the series will measure 25.3m x 12m and have a guaranteed bollard pull of 60 metric tons from a propulsion plant comprising Caterpillar engines and forward mounted Rolls-Royce Z-drives.
“We are convinced that this tug will be the first of many of this design,” said Pinar Korkmaz, marketing director at Sanmar.
Specifically tailored for Port Taranaki’s needs, which include precise vessel handling in tough sea conditions, the true tractor format was selected after months of investigation by Port Taranaki staff.
“We had a number of proposals from shipyards on specifications we had developed,” said Port Taranaki marine engineering supervisor, Grant Squire. “We shortlisted three in China, Singapore and Turkey and made yard visits of each. This solution is a standard design with limited modification to meet our operating needs.”
Squire, who led the project, was impressed with the quality of Sanmar’s work – the company has built more than 150 tugs in 40 years of operation – and said that its quality management and health and safety standards stood out.
Established in 1875, Port Taranaki is centrally located on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island and is the only deep water seaport on the country's western seaboard.
Port Taranaki chief executive, Guy Roper, said the company was looking forward to having a new tug with greater power and state-of-the-art equipment join the fleet: “A number of staff has worked very hard investigating the best design and manufacturer for the tug we require. We are very pleased with the result and looking forward to having the tug on the water.”