SAAM HUNABKU becomes the 16th SANMAR-built tug in the operator’s fleet as the companies continue their successful collaboration
Sanmar Shipyards has strengthened its long-standing partnership with SAAM Towage following the delivery of the new harbour tug SAAM HUNABKU, increasing the number of SANMAR-built vessels in the operator’s fleet to 16.
The tug is based on the proven RAmparts 2400SX-MKII design, developed exclusively for Sanmar by Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd.
Following delivery from Sanmar Shipyards on 14 July 2026, SAAM HUNABKU will enter service at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, where it will support the company’s harbour towage operations.
The vessel’s delivery was formally completed at Sanmar Shipyards during a handover ceremony attended by Sanmar Shipyards Commercial Director Rüçhan Çıvgın, Harry Nadle, Director of SAAM Towage Guatemala, and Pablo Cáceres, Innovation and Newbuilds Director at SAAM Towage.
The latest delivery supports SAAM Towage’s ongoing fleet renewal programme across the Americas while reflecting the continued growth of a partnership that has evolved steadily since 2018. Built on a shared commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and environmentally responsible towage solutions, SANMAR and SAAM Towage continue to deliver advanced tug solutions tailored to the demands of modern port operations.
Designed for demanding port operations, SAAM HUNABKU combines proven performance, exceptional manoeuvrability, and advanced environmental credentials. Powered by two CAT 3516E main engines, each producing 2,350 kW and fully compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards, the tug delivers more than 80 tonnes of bollard pull and a free-running speed of 12.5 knots, ensuring efficient and reliable ship-handling services for ocean-going vessels.
Part of SANMAR’s best-selling Boğaçay Class, SAAM HUNABKU combines compact dimensions with robust, high-performance capabilities. The highly manoeuvrable, twin Z-drive tug has an overall length of 24.4 metres, a moulded beam of 12.0 metres, a least moulded depth of 4.5 metres, and a navigational draft of 5.45 metres. To ensure versatility and crew comfort during demanding port operations, the vessel is fully equipped with FiFi-1 firefighting capability and features comfortable accommodations designed for a crew of six, along with one additional berth.
Commenting on the delivery, Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said: “We are delighted to continue supporting SAAM Towage as it modernises and expands its fleet across the Americas. Every vessel we deliver reflects our shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainability. SAAM HUNABKU has been designed to meet the specific operational requirements of her future deployment, and we are proud to further strengthen our partnership with one of the world’s leading towage operators.”
“Committed to deliver solutions beyond our clients’ expectations, the SAAM HUNABKU will deliver more eco-friendly operations at Puerto Quetzal being the first IMO TIER III tugboat in Guatemala. This fact makes us proud and convinced that we are in the correct path in our decarbonization strategy. Together with this, we are certain that the partnership we have developed with SANMAR has been an effective lever for achieving our targets.” said Pablo Caceres, Innovation and Newbuilds Director at SAAM Towage.
