A New Era for Turkish Maritime Innovation
Türkiye’s energy giant, BOTAS, has just taken delivery of two groundbreaking LNG dual-fuel tugboats, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s maritime industry. Built by Uzmar Shipyard, the Sultanhanı and Silivri are Türkiye’s first tugboats capable of running on both liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel, setting a new standard for eco-friendly and efficient maritime operations.
These state-of-the-art vessels, designed by Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd., are part of the TRAktor V3900-DF series. Measuring 39 meters in length and 15 meters in width, they’re equipped with Voith Schneider propellers and Wärtsilä 6L34DF engines, offering unparalleled flexibility and performance. But what truly sets them apart is their ability to slash emissions while maintaining power—thanks to an advanced exhaust aftertreatment system that ensures compliance with IMO Tier III standards, even in diesel mode.
Powering the Future of Energy and Sustainability
The Sultanhanı and Silivri are more than just tugboats—they’re a testament to Türkiye’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Operating under BOTAS’s Regional Directorate of Petroleum Operations in Ceyhan, these vessels will play a crucial role in supporting the country’s energy infrastructure.
Huseyin Akmaz, Regional Director of BOTAS Petroleum Operations, highlighted the significance of this achievement: “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’re proud to add these world-class tugboats to our fleet. They represent not only our progress in maritime services but also our dedication to a greener future.”
Uzmar’s CEO, A. Noyan Altug, echoed this sentiment, calling the vessels a “work of art” crafted by Turkish engineers. “These tugboats are a symbol of our shipyard’s expertise and Türkiye’s growing influence in the global maritime industry,” he said.
Electrifying the Fleet: What’s Next for BOTAS?
But BOTAS isn’t stopping here. The company is already looking ahead, with four electric battery-powered tugboats currently under construction at Sanmar Shipyards. Based on the SANMAR ElectRA 2500-SX design, these vessels will further cement Türkiye’s position as a leader in sustainable maritime technology.
This dual-fuel and electric tugboat initiative is part of BOTAS’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet and reduce its environmental footprint. With 33 vessels and 500 seafarers already under its command, the company is poised to lead the charge in transforming Türkiye’s maritime sector.
