Turkish Maritime reported that the Pakistani port authority, Karachi Port Trust has placed EUR 16.2 million orders with the Uzmar Shipyard in Turkey for 2 powerful ASD tugs.

The report said that KPT had identified an urgent and vital requirement for high powered floating craft including tugs and pilot boats, to keep the port operational during the annual monsoon season between May and September.

A tendering process for 2 ASD tugs was carried out by KPT early in 2009 and short listed 3 international shipyards, Uzmar, Sanmar and Bogazici from at least 8 participants. Uzmar was finally chosen due to their ability to complete the order, using stock hulls and equipment, within 6 months. An agreement covering the tugs price, mobilization charges, cost of spares, guarantees and incidental charges was signed in Karachi on August 31.

Although the original requirement called for 2 tugs with a minimum bollard pull of 60 tonnes Uzmar will fulfill the order with vessels built to an established ASD 3070E design of 75 tonnes bollard pull.

The specification is that of a terminal and shiphandling tug with FiFi 1 fire fighting capability, also suitable for of coastal towage, escort duties and supplying fresh water. Built to a Robert Allan design, the vessels will be 30.25 meters in length overall with 11.75 meters beam and maximum draft at speed of 5.8 meters. 2 Caterpillar 3516B HD DITA C rated diesels generate a total of 5,435 BHP to drive a pair of fully azimuthing propulsion units incorporating controllable pitch propellers. Towing winches are fitted fore and aft to maximize the use of the 70 tonnes bollard pull.

(Sourced from Turkish Maritime)