Tug delivery strengthens Turkish ties

Built in 1985, the 24.75m long OZGUR has undergone modernisation and restoration work at Sanmar. The ceremony further cemented the friendship between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus expressing their relationship as two states, but one nation.

Sanmar Shipyards, vice president Ali Gürün said, “We went to a great deal of effort to make sure that we could complete the modernisation of OZGUR safely and as soon as possible, despite the Covid-19 coronavirus.”

“We have continued with orders for the existing vessels and the construction of new ones during the pandemic,” he added.

Sanmar Shipyards has 45 years of experience in the production and operation of tugs. “We are proud to be involved in the renewal of the Cyprus Turkish Safety & Salvage fleet and to have successfully completed the modernisation and restoration of OZGUR in a very short time,” commented Ali Gürün.

The 119.28gt, 1,125bhp tug achieved a top speed of 11.1 knots and reached a bollard pull of 9.7 tonnes. Following its overhaul and restoration OZGUR has started operating in the eastern Mediterranean.