The scope of supply includes 42 Rolls-Royce US 205/255 azimuth thrusters for 21 new Robert Allan-designed harbour/terminal/escort tugs in the 60, 70 and 80 tonne bollard-pull range and high-pressure hydraulic towing winches for the 80 tonne models, Rolls-Royce said in a press release.
“We have delivered 150 azimuth thrusters to Sanmar in a relationship that spans 15-years,” said Andrea Cerutti, Rolls-Royce Customer & Sales vp for South Europe, adding “this new contract is another significant milestone in the Rolls-Royce-Sanmar partnership”.
Unlike conventional supply agreements signed on a project-by-project basis, Rolls-Royce and Sanmar have entered into a framework agreement whereby Rolls-Royce will supply standard specification products for all the vessels across a two-to-three-year period. The agreement takes into account options on the standard product specification to cover specific demands and operational requirements.
“This new arrangement provides both parties with some significant advantages,” said Gary Nutter, Rolls-Royce Customer & Propulsion director. “For Rolls-Royce it provides good visibility, allowing us to optimise production. The benefits for the customer are that we can offer shorter lead times, secure production slots and the flexibility to customise the equipment in line with specific requirements. It’s a win-win arrangement for both parties.”
No financial details of the deal were released. Rolls-Royce’s marine business has been struggling amid the downturn in the offshore market, with a 24% drop in sales and a widening of segmental losses to GBP27m in 2017. It is reportedly set to be spun off from the main business.
Sanmar projects director and board member Ali Gurun added: “The current order book for Sanmar tugs lends itself to this new procurement arrangement. Rather than having to create new supply agreement for each newbuild project, this new arrangement allows to effectively have a constant supply of Rolls-Royce equipment that we can adapt to meet our customers’ requirements. This means we can potentially reduce build time and streamline the building process.”
Sanmar’s new portfolio of tug designs has two new additions, a versatile 25m Tractor tug that incorporates a hull that can be outfitted with 60 to 70 tonnes bollard pull and a 29m ASD tug which can accommodate up to 90 tonnes of bollard pull.
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