The RAstar 2900SX-designed tug will provide ship-handling and escort services at the Port of Piraeus, powered by twin Caterpillar engines meeting IMO Tier III emissions standards
SANMAR Shipyards has delivered a new escort tug to Greek joint venture SVS, comprising Vernicos Scafi, Spanopoulos and Lyboussakis. The vessel will operate at the Port of Piraeus, supporting ship-handling and escort operations as part of SANMAR’s ongoing relationship with Med Tugs.
The tug, renamed SVS III, was built at SANMAR’s shipyard in Türkiye as BİGAÇAY XIX. Based on the RAstar 2900SX design developed exclusively for SANMAR by Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd., SVS III combines a compact profile with high manoeuvrability and enhanced escort towing capabilities.
Relatively compact and highly manoeuvrable, the ASD tug features a unique sponsoned hull form, proven through model and full-scale testing to significantly enhance escort towing and seakeeping performance. The design is particularly suited to demanding escort operations in exposed waters, where exceptional seakeeping capabilities are essential.
Powered by two CAT 3516E main engines meeting IMO Tier III emissions standards, SVS III delivers a bollard pull of over 80 tons and achieves a free-running speed of 13.5 knots. The tug is also equipped with FiFi 1 firefighting capability, combining powerful performance with environmentally responsible operation.
The RAstar 2900SX design has been developed to meet the demands of modern harbour towage and escort operations, providing the power, manoeuvrability and operational stability required to assist large commercial vessels safely and efficiently.
SVS III joins the fleet operated by the Greek consortium, whose partners provide ship-handling and maritime safety services across Greek ports. Its arrival will support operations at Piraeus, one of the Mediterranean’s major maritime hubs, while contributing to the consortium’s efforts to strengthen its operational capabilities.
Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said: “We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with Med Tugs through the delivery of SVS III. This powerful new tug combines the proven performance of our BİGAÇAY Class with the outstanding escort and seakeeping capabilities required for demanding operations in Greece. We are proud to contribute to the consortium’s fleet renewal programme and to support its operations with another high-performance SANMAR-built tug.”
Dimitrios Vernicos, President of Vernicos Scafi (Member of MED TUGS), said: “This new vessel is part of MED TUGS’ fleet renewal program, aimed at enhancing its fleet capabilities, to meet the growing requirements of providing towage services to large commercial vessels. The newly built tug is intended to operate in Piraeus, where it will serve container ships, motor tankers, and the Greek shipbuilding industry sectors that require powerful and highly maneuverable tugboats.”
