Latest NewsShip & Boat BuildingSanmar Marks 50th Anniversary with Ten Tug Orders at ITS 2026

Sanmar Marks 50th Anniversary with Ten Tug Orders at ITS 2026

50th Anniversary year order wins from three leading towage operators reinforce Sanmar’s position in the global tug construction market.

Sanmar Shipyards has secured major newbuild contracts for up to ten tugs during the International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention, Exhibition & Awards 2026, marking a significant commercial achievement as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The agreements, signed throughout the industry event in Gothenburg, include fleet expansion orders from established customers SAAM Towage and HAISEA Marine, alongside a landmark first contract with FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP.

On Wednesday, May 20, Sanmar formalised a new agreement with long-term partner SAAM Towage for five new vessels: four RAmparts 2400SX-MKII tugboats and one RAstar 2900SX tugboat. Since 2018, the collaboration has been rooted in a shared commitment to sustainable, high-performance operations. This latest order brings the total number of Sanmar-built vessels in SAAM’s fleet to 18.

Following the SAAM ceremony, Sanmar signed a contract with HAISEA Marine for one RAstar 4000 design tugboat. This marks the next chapter in a relationship that began in 2023 when Sanmar delivered HAISEA’s ground breaking green fleet, consisting of three fully electric ElectRA 2800SX tugboats and two dual-fuel LNG-powered RAstar 4000DF vessels.

In another major development on Thursday, May 21, Sanmar signed its first-ever contract with FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP, one of Europe’s leading towage operators. The agreement covers the construction of one RAstar 3200SX and one RAmpage 4200 design tugboat. Additionally, FAIRPLAY has secured options for two further vessels of the same designs, signaling the intent for a strong, long-term partnership.

“During this very special period as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sanmar Shipyards, we are proud to further strengthen our successful long-term cooperation with SAAM Towage, continue our partnership with HAISEA Marine, and begin a new relationship with FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP,” said Ali Gürün, Vice Chairman & CEO of Sanmar Shipyards.

“These agreements once again demonstrate the international confidence in Sanmar’s engineering expertise, innovative vision, and ability to deliver reliable, high-performance, and sustainable solutions tailored to our customers’ exact operational requirements.”

Latest News

The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), working in collaboration with the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) and the Workboat Association, has announced the publication of the International Workboat Code of Practice, a 122-page guide providing best-practice guidance for the construction, operation and surveying of commercial workboats.

IIMS, IMCA and Workboat Association Launch International Workboat Code of Practice

IIMS, IMCA and the Workboat Association collaborate on a 122-page guide covering vessel safety, operational standards and crew competency for commercial workboats worldwide The International...
The world’s largest battery-electric ship has officially entered commercial passenger service, marking a major milestone for maritime electrification and zero-emission vessel operations. Built by Incat Tasmania for long-standing customer Buquebus, the 130-metre China Zorrilla has completed its maiden commercial voyage between Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia, Uruguay, across the River Plate.

China Zorrilla Begins Electric Ferry Operations

Built for Buquebus to connect Argentina and Uruguay, the China Zorrilla, the world’s largest battery-electric ferry, marks a major milestone in large-scale marine electrification...
Boluda Towage has expanded its Norwegian fleet with the addition of VB NORWEGIAN FALCON, a new tug built by Sanmar Shipyards to support towing, vessel assistance and offshore operations in demanding maritime environments.

Boluda Towage Takes Delivery of VB NORWEGIAN FALCON

Sanmar-built VB NORWEGIAN FALCON features RAstar 3200 SX design, ASD propulsion and more than 6,700 hp Boluda Towage has expanded its Norwegian fleet with the...
SWITCH Maritime has secured a Design Basis Agreement (DBA) from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for its SWITCH-150 hydrogen fuel cell-electric ferry, marking a key milestone in the development of the 150-passenger vessel. Designed by naval architecture firm Incat Crowther, the SWITCH-150 combines hydrogen fuel cell-electric propulsion with onboard hydrogen storage to support high-frequency ferry operations without compromising service schedules or requiring shoreside charging infrastructure.

SWITCH Hydrogen Ferry Clears Key US Coast Guard Milestone

The US Coast Guard agreement establishes a regulatory framework to guide construction, commissioning and future commercial operation of the hydrogen-powered ferry SWITCH Maritime has secured...

Related news