Sanmar lays keel for LNG Canada tugs

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.

Sanmar lays keel for LNG Canada tugs
Image: Sanmar

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.

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