Sicily towage company orders two Turkish-built IMO Tier III tugs

Sicily-based towage operator Rimorchiatori Augusta, a subsidiary of the Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group, has placed an order for two new 24-metre tugs to be built by Sanmar Shipyards of Turkey.

The RINA-classed, Robert Allan Ltd-designed tugs will each be powered by two Caterpillar 3512E IMO Tier III-compliant engines that will deliver a bollard pull of 60 tonnes and a maximum speed of 12.5 knots. The propulsion systems will make the vessels the first IMO Tier III-compliant tugs to be operated in Italian waters.

The tugs will also be equipped for firefighting duties.

Sanmar will deliver both tugs to Sicily's Port of Augusta at the end of 2022.

See more stories from this month's Tug and Salvage Week here.