Sanmar Denizcilik Marine of Istanbul, Turkey, has delivered the third of three Robert Allan design 45-tonne bollard pull compact ASD tugs to Boca Chica, Dominican Republic.
'Soco' (ex-'Ulupinar VIII') will be fully operated by Remolcadores Dominicanos, owner of the sister-tug 'Nizao' built last year.
The 24.4 x 9.1 x 4-metre Ulupinar-series tugs are powered by a pair of CAT 3512TA diesels developing a total of 2,460kW at 1,800rpm to aft-mounted US-155 fixed pitch Rolls Royce azimuthing drives.
'Soco' is named after a river in the eastern part of Dominican Republic. Caucedo Marine owns the sister-tug 'Haina', which was delivered in 2008.
The RINA C+ Hull & Machinery classed tug is fitted with Rolls-Royce Rauma Brattvaag hydraulic towing winches fore and aft, Data hydraulic 20cm towing pins and a Data hydraulic 45-tonne SWL quick-release tow hook. Two Volvo-Penta diesel generators provide electrical power.
A representative of Marcon International, which brokered the construction of the three ASD tugs, attended the sea-trials and handover of the tug. As with the previous two sister-tugs 'Haina' and 'Nizao', the new owners are sailing the 'Soco' on its own bottom over 5,300 nautical miles from Tuzla, Turkey to Santo Domingo, where she will be employed primarily in ship assist work.
