Sanmar signs contract to build sister tug for South American operator​

A second contract with Sanmar

Sanmar has signed a new contract with Ultratug Colombia to build one of its best-selling Boğaçay Series tugboats.

The technologically advanced and environmentally friendly tug to be built for Ultratug Colombia will be a sister vessel to BOĞAÇAY LXXIX, which is already under construction for Ultratug Mexico.

Design and green credentials

Based on the exclusive-to-Sanmar RAmparts 2400SX-MKII design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd, the Colombia-bound tug will have an overall length of 24.4m, least moulded depth of 4.5m and navigational draft of 5.45m.

The tug’s green credentials will include two IMO Tier III compliant CAT 3516E main engines, each producing a minimum of 2,200 kW at 1,600 rev/min to achieve a bollard pull over the stern of 75 tons and a free running speed of approximately 12.5 knots.

It will also be compatible for a Caterpillar SCR exhaust gas after-treatment solution designed to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Boğaçay Series tugboats are designed for, among other things, optimal efficiency in ship-handling duties for sea-going ships, and have a 12m moulded beam, which is wider than usual for tugs of this size and class, enabling greater performance and stability.

Built for Ultratug Colombia

Ultratug Colombia headquarters are in Bogota, Colombia, and it has branch offices in the main Colombian ports of Santa Marta, Barranquilla, Cartagena, Coveñas, and Buenaventura. It also has the capacity to provide services in other Colombian ports such as Tolu, Puerto Brisa, and Tumaco, among others.

Scheduled to be delivered in the third quarter of 2026, the new tug will have accommodation for up to eight crew members, with two single-berth cabins in the deckhouse and three double cabins below deck.

What they said

Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said: “The tug under construction for ULTRATUG’s Mexican operations is the result of our first ever contact with the group, and we are delighted that we now have a second contract.

“Our latest Boğaçay Series tugs are leaders in their class when it comes to operational capabilities, advanced technology, environmental compliance, and exceptional performance. Their strength is that they continue to evolve, taking on board advances in technology as they become available.”

Silvia Herrera, Country Manager of Ultratug Colombia: «We are thrilled and exited about this new acquisition. It reflects Ultratug’s strong commitment to maintaining a modern fleet equipped with cutting edge technology, and to continuing to be a trusted partner for our clients”