Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 16, Turkish shipbuilder Sanmar has launched what it describes as “the world’s first” large dual-fuel methanol escort tug, purpose-built for KOTUG Canada, a joint venture between KOTUG International and Horizon Maritime of Canada.

Courtesy of Sanmar Shipyards

The vessel is the first of two dual-fuel methanol tugs constructed for KOTUG Canada. They are intended to support the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) by escorting tankers from the Port of Vancouver’s harbor limits to the open Pacific Ocean. In addition to their escort duties, the tugs are designed to bring environmental benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing underwater radiated noise.

The methanol-powered tug measures 44 meters in length and is based on the RAsalvor 4400-DFM design developed by Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. According to Sanmar, the vessels have a multipurpose design. Besides escorting tankers, they will be capable of long-range towing, anchor handling, rescue operations, and salvage work. They are also fitted with firefighting systems compliant with ABS FFV 1 notation and will carry the largest spill response capacity of any tugs deployed along the British Columbia coast.

Ali Gürün, Vice Chairman & CEO of Sanmar, emphasized the significance of the launch: “The launch of this radically new tug, the first of twins, is an important day for the whole tug industry. It marks a major step forward in the use of alternative fuels to protect our planet. These are among the most powerful tugs ever built, yet have environmental protection at their heart. At SANMAR we are proud to be leading the way to an environmentally-friendly future.”

Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International, also highlighted the milestone: “The launch of the world’s first dual-fuel methanol escort tug is more than a milestone for KOTUG Canada—it is a defining moment for the maritime industry. These powerful vessels prove that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. By investing in clean technologies today, we are shaping the future of towage and paving the way for the industry to follow.”

The newbuilds represent a significant advancement in integrating low-carbon fuel solutions into specialized marine operations. With methanol as an alternative fuel, the tugs are positioned to reduce emissions while maintaining the high performance required for escort and towing operations in demanding coastal environments.

By combining advanced naval architecture, robust towing capabilities, firefighting systems, and spill response features, the vessels are designed not only to meet current operational needs but also to align with the maritime sector’s focus on cleaner technologies. The launch reflects ongoing industry efforts to modernize fleets with innovative solutions that address both environmental and operational challenges.

With the delivery of these vessels, KOTUG Canada aims to support sustainable maritime logistics while strengthening safety and environmental protection in the region. The project underlines a broader trend of adopting dual-fuel and alternative-fuel vessels, demonstrating how performance requirements can be balanced with long-term environmental goals.