Istanbul, Turkiye | September 12, 2025 – Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar Shipyards has reached a historic milestone in sustainable maritime operations with the launch of the first of two groundbreaking dual-fuel methanol escort tugs. Built for KOTUG Canada, these vessels represent the world’s first large, purpose-built tugs of their kind, signaling a major shift toward alternative fuels in the global towage sector.
The vessels are based on the RAsalvor 4400-DFM design, a collaborative effort by renowned Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. This delivery marks the first time Sanmar has constructed vessels for KOTUG Canada, a joint venture between the Netherlands-based KOTUG International B.V. and Canada’s Horizon Maritime Inc.
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Cutting-Edge Specifications: Power Meets Sustainability
The RAsalvor 4400-DFM series is designed to handle some of the most punishing maritime environments on the planet. These tugs will be the most powerful in the Canadian fleet, specifically engineered for high-stakes escort duties.
| Feature | Specification |
| Design | Robert Allan Ltd. RAsalvor 4400-DFM |
| Length Overall (LOA) | 43.8 meters |
| Bollard Pull | 120 tonnes |
| Fuel System | Dual-Fuel (Methanol & Diesel) |
| Environmental Features | Underwater radiated noise reduction; Graphene-based hull coating |
| Operational Class | ABS FFV 1 (Firefighting), Oil Recovery (ORO) |
The vessels feature a massive 202 m³ methanol storage capacity alongside 256 m³ of diesel storage, providing a versatile fueling strategy that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining high-performance capabilities for deep-sea salvage and tanker escort.
Strategic Deployment: The Trans Mountain Expansion Project
The new tugs are destined for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) in British Columbia. They will be stationed at the Port of Vancouver to escort crude oil tankers from the harbour limits through the challenging waters to the open Pacific Ocean.
A key highlight of this project is the partnership with the Sc’ianew First Nation (Beecher Bay). Strategically located along the shipping route, the Sc’ianew community will host the vessels at the Cheanuh Marina. This collaboration is formalized under a Mutual Benefits Agreement, ensuring:
- Long-term economic and employment opportunities for community members.
- Specialized training for approximately 15 Sc’ianew members to serve on board.
- The integration of Indigenous stewardship into modern marine operations.
Industry Leadership on Green Transition
For Sanmar, this launch is part of a broader “ElectRA” and alternative fuel strategy. The shipyard has already delivered nine all-electric tugs globally, but the methanol-fuelled RAsalvor represents a new frontier for high-bollard-pull requirements.
Ali Gürün, Vice Chairman & CEO of SANMAR, stated “It marks a major step forward in the use of alternative fuels to protect our planet. These are among the most powerful tugs ever built, yet have environmental protection at their heart.”
Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International, added that “the launch is a defining moment, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.”
The move to methanol in the tug sector is a significant indicator for local fuel suppliers. With the ability to significantly lower SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, methanol is emerging as a front-runner for specialized coastal vessels. These tugs also feature the largest spill response capabilities on the B.C. coast, with 409 m³ of recovered oil capacity, adding a critical safety layer to the TMEP’s marine logistics.
About KOTUG Canada
KOTUG Canada is a high-profile joint venture between the Dutch towage giant KOTUG International B.V. and the Canadian marine services provider Horizon Maritime Inc., established to deliver innovative terminal and harbor towage solutions across Canada’s coastlines. At the core of its current operations is a long-term agreement with Trans Mountain to provide specialized tanker escort and emergency response services for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) in British Columbia.
Distinguishing itself through a commitment to “Indigenous Stewardship,” KOTUG Canada operates in a meaningful partnership with the Sc’ianew First Nation, integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, most notably through the deployment of the world’s first dual-fuel methanol escort tugs. This strategy not only bolsters maritime safety and spill response capabilities in the Pacific region but also sets a global benchmark for the energy transition within the towage industry.
About SANMAR Shipyards
Established in 1976, SANMAR Shipyards has been at the forefront of the maritime industry, driving the evolution towards environmentally friendly and low-emission tugboats. With exclusive designs from Robert Allan Ltd, Sanmar’s portfolio includes cutting-edge battery-electric tugs and vessels using alternative fuels like LNG and methanol.
Operating from two eco-friendly shipyards in Turkey, Sanmar is equipped with a large stock of tugs for immediate delivery and a dedicated team of engineers for custom solutions. The company serves major international operators in diverse and challenging maritime conditions, including towage, ship-handling, salvage, emergency response, and offshore operations.
Source: SANMAR Shipyards