Turkey’s Sanmar is continuing to progress with the construction of two tugs that will serve the Shell-operated LNG Canada project in Kitimat.
Sanmar said in a short update it held a keel-laying ceremony on September 23 for the two dual-fuel tugs at its Altinova yard.
HaiSea Marine, majority-owned by the Haisla Nation in partnership with Canada’s Seaspan ULC, said earlier this year it had ordered the new vessels at Sanmar.
Finland’s Wartsila will supply dual-fuel engines and other systems for the two vessels.
The tugs will provide ship-assist and escort towing services to LNG carriers calling at LNG Canada’s export facility in Kitimat in the unceded traditional territory of the Haisla Nation.
HaiSea Marine has a major contract with LNG Canada to build and operate escort and harbor tugs required for the 14 mtpa LNG export project worth more than $30 billion.
The new fleet of tugs will consist of two RAstar 4000-DF escort dual-fuel tugs which will go on LNG but also diesel. Moreover, the fleet also includes three ElectRA 2800 electric tugs.
Designed by Vancouver BC-based naval architect company, Robert Allan, the new fleet of tugs should arrive in British Columbia in 2023.