KOTUG Canada Inc., a joint venture between KOTUG International B.V. and Horizon Maritime Inc., celebrated a significant milestone with the keel laying ceremony for two RAsalvor 4400-DFM dual-fuel methanol escort tugs at Sanmar Shipyards Altinova in Yalova, Turkey. This ceremony marks the official commencement of the construction phase for the vessels, designed to serve the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
The keel laying ceremony, steeped in maritime tradition, signifies the beginning of a ship’s construction journey. Representatives from KOTUG Canada and Sanmar Shipyards gathered to commemorate this event, highlighting the project’s progression towards meeting its delivery schedule by mid-2025.
These groundbreaking tugboats, designed by Robert Allan Ltd., are pioneers in their field, being the first of their kind to be powered by methanol. Engineered to provide the high bollard pull required for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, they represent a fusion of innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry.
Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasizing its transformative impact on the maritime sector and its pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Ali Gürün, Chairman of the Board of Sanmar Shipyards, reflected on the significance of the keel laying ceremony, highlighting its role in advancing maritime technology and environmental consciousness.
The tugs, named SD AISEMAHT and SD QWII-AAN’C SARAH in honor of key members of the Sc’ianew First Nation, will play a crucial role in escorting tankers from the Port of Vancouver to the Pacific Ocean through the Salish Sea. This partnership with the Sc’ianew First Nation underscores KOTUG Canada’s commitment to engaging local communities along the shipping route.
Scheduled to enter service in 2025, these innovative tugs are poised to become the world’s first large purpose-built high bollard pull methanol-fueled vessels. Beyond their operational capabilities, they are expected to deliver significant environmental benefits by further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and underwater radiated noise.
The keel laying ceremony symbolizes not only the construction of vessels but also the collective effort towards sustainable maritime solutions, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing evolution of the shipping industry.
Source:Kotug Canada
