UZMAR Shipyard proudly announces the delivery of its latest eco-innovation, the NB169 tugboat Balahu, to P&O Reyser. A special ceremony marked the occasion, attended by UZMAR President Mr. Noyan Altuğ and P&O Reyser CEO Mr. Iñigo Garcia Gorbeña. The vessel’s handover represents a significant advancement in ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable maritime operations at the Port of Barcelona, one of Spain’s busiest ports.
The Balahu is a a cutting-edge asymmetric tractor tug (ATT), designed by the renowned Spanish ship design firm Cintranaval. It features an innovative propulsion system powered by Kongsberg azimuth stern drive (ASD) units. This asymmetrical configuration ensures exceptional maneuverability, ideal for handling large vessels in high-traffic port environments. With a bollard pull of 73.5 tonnes, the tug is built to guarantee safe, precise operations in Barcelona’s port, where efficiency and accuracy are essential for smooth maritime traffic management.
The vessel is powered by two MAN Energy Solution 12V175D MM+ engines—renowned as the world’s most powerful 12-cylinder high-speed diesel engines—each delivering 2,400 kW of mechanical power at 1,800 rpm. This makes Balahu the first tugboat in the world to feature these engines, setting a new benchmark for power and performance in port operations..
Classified as an ‘Eco Silent’ vessel, the Balahu ensures enhanced crew comfort through superior noise and vibration control, meeting the standards outlined in the ‘Comfort with regard to Noise and Vibration’ class notations. This focus on minimizing noise pollution aligns with the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.
P&O Reyser, operating under P&O Maritime Logistics—a subsidiary of DP World—manages specialized maritime services across 11 Spanish ports. The addition of the Balahu reflects the company’s ongoing investment in eco-friendly, high-performing vessels. Adhering to strict IMO Tier III emission standards, the vessel aligns with global environmental goals, further underscoring their commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency in maintaining smooth port operations.
Mr. Noyan Altuğ, President of UZMAR, remarked, “The Balahu exemplifies cutting-edge advancements in ship design, prioritizing safety, environmental responsibility, and operational excellence. We are proud to deliver this vessel to P&O Reyser as part of our shared vision for a sustainable maritime future.”
Mr. Iñigo Garcia Gorbeña, CEO of P&O Reyser, added, “This delivery represents a significant addition to our fleet and highlights the strength of the partnership between UZMAR and P&O Reyser. We look forward to soon receiving the next tugboat, Caraba, which will further enhance our capabilities. I extend my sincere thanks to both the UZMAR and P&O teams for their dedication and exceptional work on this project.”
This collaboration between UZMAR and P&O Maritime Logistics underscores a mutual commitment to innovation and sustainability. The Balahu is set to play a crucial role in ensuring safe, eco-friendly operations at one of Spain’s most vital ports.
