Sanmar launches third fully electric tug for BOTAŞ

Sanmar Shipyards has launched the third of four fully electric ElectRA Series tugboats being built for BOTAŞ, Türkiye’s state-owned crude oil and natural gas pipeline and trading company. The first unit was launched on July 5, followed by the second on August 9.

The vessels are based on the ElectRA 2500SX design from Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. and are equipped with batteries supplied by Corvus Energy. The ElectRA Series represents Sanmar’s collaboration with technology providers to develop low and zero-emission tugs.

Each tug has a battery capacity of 5,085 kWh, enabling 70 tonnes of bollard pull and speeds of up to 12 knots. The vessels can accommodate eight crew members and are fitted with backup diesel generators for fire-fighting and extended operations.

The four tugs, to be named BOTAŞ Hilal, BOTAŞ Bayrak, BOTAŞ Ay, and BOTAŞ Yıldız, measure 25.4 metres in length, with a beam of 12.8 metres, depth of 5.2 metres, and a maximum draft of 5.8 metres. They are designed to undertake a range of tasks, including escort operations.

Sanmar estimates that each ElectRA tug eliminates about 1,700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year compared with modern diesel-powered tugs, equivalent to the annual output of nearly 1,000 cars. The vessels also deliver reductions in NOx, SOx, CO, and particulate matter, while operating with significantly lower noise levels.

Speaking at the launch of the first BOTAŞ ElectRA tug earlier this year, Sanmar Chairman Cem Seven said: “Each ElectRA tug will have a major positive impact on the environment where ever they operate. Advances in technology and alternative power sources are enabling us to take huge strides forward when it comes to protecting our planet. At Sanmar we are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution.” ElectRA tugs are currently in operation across Europe, North America, and Latin America. Sanmar has delivered nine fully electric tugs to date and is continuing construction of six more, including the four ElectRA 2500SX units for BOTAŞ.