Sanmar advances construction of world's largest methanol-powered escort tug

Fri 5 Sep 2025, 09:09 GMT | Updated: Fri 5 Sep 2025, 09:12 GMT

Sanmar advances construction of world's largest methanol-powered escort tug

Vessel destined for Canadian operations, setting new benchmark for sustainable towage operations.

Ard-Jan Kooren, Ali Gürün and KOTUG vessel.

Pictured: KOTUG CEO Ard-Jan Kooren (right) and Sanmar A.S. CEO Ali Gürün (left) at Sanmar shipyard to see KOTUG vessel set to be world’s largest methanol-powered escort tug. Image credit: KOTUG International

KOTUG has reported progress on the construction of what is set to be the world's largest methanol-powered escort tug.

KOTUG CEO Ard-Jan Kooren and Sanmar A.S. CEO Ali Gürün visited the shipyard in Yalova, Turkiye, to observe construction progress on the vessel, which is being built by Sanmar for delivery to KOTUG Canada.

The tug is one of two landmark vessels - to be named SD Aisemaht and SD Qwii-Aaan'c Sarah in honour of the Sc'ianew First Nation - that will also be the most powerful escort tugs in Canada, capable of achieving 120 tonnes of bollard pull. Keel laying was in May 2024.

The two vessels are to serve Canada's Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP), escorting tankers from the harbour limits of Vancouver to the open Pacific Ocean via the commercial shipping lanes of the Salish Sea.

KOTUG International operates tugboat services globally, while Sanmar A.S. is a Turkish shipbuilder specialising in tug construction.

Methanol Milestone Newbuild Newbuild construction Tug Canada


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