Wärtsilä propulsion solutions power Turkish tug boats

Following successful sea trials, the first vessel is in service, while the second will follow suit in April 2019. Built in Eregli under project management by the Yutek shipyard and site team, the propulsion orders with Wärtsilä were booked in 2017.

The bollard pull rating for the tug boats has been certified by the Turkish Lloyd classification society at 75 TBP. This exceptional performance is achieved through a 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 26 engine and a Wärtsilä WST-24 steerable thruster, controlled by a Wärtsilä ProTouch propulsion remote control system. The tug boats achieve 75 TBP with a 6-cylinder rather than 8-cylinder engine, reducing the vessels’ Capex and Opex costs.

“The combination of improved performance with compact equipment is already proving to be a great success for these 32-metre long tug boats. Wärtsilä is committed through its Smart Marine approach to enabling the highest possible efficiency for owners and operators, and this is one more prime example,” says Murat Ergen, General Manager, Sales, Wärtsilä Marine.

“Wärtsilä was selected based on its strong track record and global reputation. The tugs have excellent pulling power, thanks to the engines and thrusters selected,” says Yucel Tekin, Owner of Yutek.

The tugs will operate in Turkish waters on the Bosphorus Strait of Istanbul.

The Wärtsilä Steerable Thruster (WST) has been developed in parallel with the latest operating demands for tugs, river-going vessels, and various offshore support vessels. The aim is to ensure optimal efficiency, high hydrodynamic performance, less maintenance and better accessibility for serviceability.