Swedish propulsion specialist Berg Propulsion has secured a contract to supply propulsion and control systems for four diesel-electric offshore support tugboats currently under construction at Uzmar Shipyard in Turkey, according to Ship & Bunker.
The vessels are being built for Smit Lamnalco and are based on a Robert Allan design. Each tug stretches 60 metres in length and is engineered to deliver more than 130 tonnes of bollard pull — a level of power that, according to Berg Propulsion, makes them the most powerful vessels of their type ever built in Turkey.
What Berg Propulsion Will Supply
Berg Propulsion’s scope of supply covers three key systems for each vessel:
- Azimuth thrusters
- Bow thrusters
- Integrated control systems
The all-electric propulsion configuration is central to the design. According to Berg Propulsion, this setup delivers full torque at any speed and offers greater operational flexibility — factors the company says are making diesel-electric arrangements increasingly attractive to tug operators worldwide.
Deployment and Delivery Timeline
Once completed, the four tugs are slated for initial operations in French Guiana. Berg Propulsion has outlined the following delivery schedule:
- First equipment delivery: November 2026
- Final vessel completion: July 2027
Does This Matter to You?
For vessel operators, charterers, and those monitoring developments in port and offshore support services, this contract highlights a continued shift toward diesel-electric propulsion in the tug sector. The deployment destination — French Guiana — may be of interest to operators and port service providers active in South American and Atlantic offshore corridors.
For the broader maritime industry, the project signals growing confidence in all-electric propulsion architectures for high-demand workboat applications, as well as expanding shipbuilding capability within Turkey for sophisticated offshore support vessels.
Those involved in vessel procurement, fleet planning, or offshore logistics in the relevant regions may wish to monitor this project as it progresses toward delivery.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
