H\u00f6n\u00f6, Sweden, 18 May 2026: Berg Propulsion has been contracted to supply the propulsion and control systems for four diesel-electric, firefighting offshore support tugs which will be the most powerful vessels of their type ever built in\u00a0T\u00fcrkiye.<\/p>\n
The vessels have been ordered by Smit Lamnalco from builder Uzmar Shipyard and will initially operate in French Guyana, with Berg due to deliver equipment for the first in the series in November 2026. All four tugs will feature bollard pull (bp) capacities exceeding 130 tonnes – remarkable for vessels using this high efficiency solution, and a step up from the largest tugs built by Uzmar to date which feature hybrid-electric propulsion also from Berg.<\/p>\n
Built to Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Limited\u2019s (RAL\u2019s) RAmpage 6000-DE design, each 60m length tug will feature twin 4,000kW electric motors. Berg\u2019s propulsive package will include two MTA836 Z drive fixed-pitch azimuth thrusters and two MTT216 controllable-pitch bow thrusters, alongside an MPC800 control system.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis contract is huge in scope and significant for its commercial and technical impact,\u201d comments Mustafa M\u00fcsl\u00fcm<\/strong>, Managing Director, Berg Propulsion Eurasia. \u201cFollowing on from earlier projects, we are delighted to work with Uzmar once more on this high-power tug order, and especially on an assignment which involves such an extensive package from Berg.\u201d<\/p>\n With equipment for the last of the Bureau Veritas-classed vessels due delivery by July 2027, the new order consolidates Berg\u2019s presence in T\u00fcrkiye, which has become a construction hub for tug innovation.<\/p>\n UZMAR Group of Companies President and CEO A. Noyan ALTUG<\/strong> comments: \u201cAt UZMAR, we continue to lead the way in innovative tugboat construction, delivering advanced dual-fuel, methanol, diesel-electric and battery-supported solutions tailored for the evolving needs of global ports and terminals. This diesel-electric project demonstrates our capability to combine high bollard pull performance with efficiency, lower emissions, and operational flexibility.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to collaborate with Smit Lamnalco on this important project. Together, we are setting new benchmarks in sustainability, performance, and reliability, reinforcing UZMAR\u2019s position as a global leader in next-generation tug design and construction.\u201d<\/p>\n Adopting a 100%-electric powertrain brings particular benefits for operational responsiveness, M\u00fcsl\u00fcm notes: \u201cDiesel engines are optimized for efficiency at specific ratings and there are limits on flexibility. The all-electric setup provides full torque at any speed. For this reason, many tug owners have come to prefer propulsion systems that are hybrid- or fully-electric.<\/p>\n \u201cIn addition, when power needs are high, tugboats lack the onboard space for the larger diesel engines required – which makes compact multi-genset configurations a more practical choice.\u201d<\/p>\n The latest order is significant for Berg\u2019s growing reputation as a provider of tug propulsion solutions for other reasons, he adds. \u201cRather than producing multiple tugboats rated at 70-80 tonnes bp, the sector is opting for fewer vessels with greater bp capacity per tug. There\u2019s rising demand for higher bp capacity and this trend will continue. The experience we\u2019ve gained through our collaborations with Uzmar is putting us in a strong position to provide the power these operators require.\u201d<\/p>\n About Berg Propulsion\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Berg Propulsion is a Swedish company providing a range of propulsion technologies, electrical integration and energy efficiency optimization solutions for commercial and naval vessels. It designs and manufactures controllable-pitch and fixed pitch propellers, azimuth thrusters and transverse thrusters, as well as vessel control and manoeuvring systems. Berg Propulsion is recognized as an innovative company that positions itself in the technical forefront of a changing marine industry, by developing solutions that are designed for high quality, performance and reliability.\u00a0<\/em> H\u00f6n\u00f6, Sweden, 18 May 2026: Berg Propulsion has been contracted to supply the propulsion and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":278374,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[273,298],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-278373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maritimes-news","category-seagoing-maritimes-news"],"yoast_head":"\n
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\nBerg Propulsion has production facilities in Sweden, and direct sales & service offices in China, Singapore, T\u00fcrkiye and United Arab Emirates. Furthermore, the company is supported by a global dealer & service network.Share <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"