Pakistan’s Port Qasim Authority orders tugs, pilot boats from Turkish builder

The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) of Pakistan has awarded contracts to Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards for the construction and delivery of four tugs and two pilot boats.

Sanmar had emerged as the winner of a competitive tender to supply new tugs and pilot boats for the Qasim deep-water seaport in Karachi.

All six vessels are scheduled to be delivered within 12 months of the awarding of the contacts.

The tugs will each measure 32 by 13 metres and will be powered by LNG-compatible engines that can deliver a bollard pull in excess of 75 tonnes. The pilot boats meanwhile will each measure 20 metres in length and will be capable of speeds of up to 20 knots.

The tugs will be designed by Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. Each will feature a unique sponsoned hull form, which Sanmar said is proven to provide significantly enhanced escort towing performance.