Sanmar Shipyards and Med Tugs Partnership Strengthens Mediterranean Fleet
Sanmar Shipyards and Med Tugs have signed a strategic agreement to build two next-generation tugboats aimed at modernizing the Mediterranean fleet.
The project will be carried out through SVS, a joint venture of Vernicos Scafi, Spanopoulos, and Lyboussakis, and represents a significant contribution to Greece’s maritime infrastructure.
The new tugboats are scheduled for delivery in September 2026 and September 2027. They will operate at Piraeus Port, one of Europe’s busiest maritime hubs, specializing in high-performance harbor maneuvers and escort operations.
The order includes two hull types designed exclusively for Sanmar by Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd.: RAstar 2900SX (80TBP) and RAstar 3200SX (90TBP). Equipped with dual CAT 3516E engines compliant with IMO Tier III emission standards, the vessels will feature escort-class winches, towing pins, deck cranes, and FiFi 1 firefighting systems.
With a total contract value of €21 million, this investment underscores SVS’s commitment to modernizing the Mediterranean fleet. Delivering 80 and 90 tonnes of bollard pull respectively, the tugboats will ensure the safe passage of ultra-large container ships and tankers.
Ali Gürün, CEO of Sanmar Shipyards: “We carefully listened to our client’s requirements and determined two different hull sizes and engine power configurations. We are proud to deliver two of our most capable tugboats to our neighbors.”
Dimitris Vernicos, President of Vernicos Scafi: “These tugboats are not just machines; they embody our passion for excellence and our promise to safeguard the Mediterranean’s waters for generations to come. This partnership with Sanmar marks a beautiful new chapter in our heritage.”
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Sanmar once again demonstrates its ability to deliver bespoke, high-performance tug solutions that combine proven design with advanced engineering and build quality.
