Rolls-Royce signs LOI for engines in TurkeyRolls-Royce signs LOI for engines in Turkey

The engines, made by R-R Power Systems’ MTU brand, are designed to keep maintenance costs as low as possible by operating for long periods of time without overhaul. Each class RAstar 2800-E Azimuth Stern Drive tug currently under construction at Sanmar is to be powered either by MTU Series 16V 4000 M63 or M63L engines, powering either an R-R or Schottel propeller.

Fuel consumption is low, and each engine meets with EPA Tier 2 and IMO Tier II emission standards.

Sanmar will deliver the first tugs to Svitzer in the fourth quarter of 2016. The tug vessels, which deliver a bollard pull of 70 tonnes for use in terminals.

“This collaboration is an important step for us,” said Ekrem Kuraloğlu, md of MTU Turkey. “The Turkish tug market is highly competitive. Sanmar Shipyards is one of the leading tugboat builders worldwide. With this agreement, MTU is now becoming a key supplier of Sanmar.”