Berg wins power tug deal

The vessels are set to become the most powerful tugs of their type ever constructed in Turkey, with bollard pull capacities exceeding 130 tonnes. They will initially operate in French Guyana, with delivery of equipment for the first vessel scheduled for November 2026.

“This contract is huge in scope and significant for its commercial and technical impact,” said Mustafa Müslüm, managing director of Berg Propulsion Eurasia.

“Following on from earlier projects, we are delighted to work with Uzmar once more on this high-power tug order, and especially on an assignment which involves such an extensive package from Berg.”

Designed by Robert Allan Ltd to the RAmpage 6000-DE concept, each 60-metre tug will feature twin 4,000kW electric motors and a diesel-electric propulsion arrangement.

Berg’s package includes two MTA836 Z-drive fixed-pitch azimuth thrusters, two MTT216 controllable-pitch bow thrusters and the company’s MPC800 control system.

The final vessel in the Bureau Veritas-classed series is due for equipment delivery by July 2027, reinforcing Turkey’s growing reputation as a centre for advanced tug construction.

Uzmar Group president and chief executive A. Noyan Altug said the project reflected the shipyard’s continued investment in lower-emission tug technologies.

“This diesel-electric project demonstrates our capability to combine high bollard pull performance with efficiency, lower emissions, and operational flexibility,” he said.

Müslüm added that fully electric propulsion arrangements offer major operational advantages for tug operators.

“The all-electric setup provides full torque at any speed,” he said. “For this reason, many tug owners have come to prefer propulsion systems that are hybrid- or fully-electric.”

He also noted increasing industry demand for fewer but more powerful tugs capable of handling larger operations efficiently.