Sanmar Shipyards has delivered SAAM XIMBAL, a powerful new BOĞAÇAY Class tug, to SAAM Towage, marking the 18th SANMAR-built tug delivered to the leading towage operator in the Americas since 2018.
Known as BOĞAÇAY XCVI during construction in Türkiye, SAAM XIMBAL will operate from the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas on Mexico’s Pacific coast, supporting demanding ship-handling operations at one of the country’s major commercial ports.
SAAM XIMBAL is based on the RAmparts 2400SX-MKII design, developed exclusively for SANMAR by internationally renowned Canadian naval architects Robert Allan Ltd. The latest delivery brings the number of BOĞAÇAY Class tugs in the SAAM Towage fleet to 13, underlining the proven performance and versatility of one of SANMAR’s most successful tug series.
Powered by two CAT 3516E main engines, each producing 2,350 kW at 1,800 rpm, SAAM XIMBAL combines high performance with environmentally responsible operation. A high level of onboard automation supports operational efficiency, while a sewage treatment unit and oily water separator further reduce the vessel’s environmental impact as per SAAM sustainability requisites
With an overall length of 24.4 metres, a moulded beam of 12 metres, a least moulded depth of 4.5 metres and a navigational draught of 5.45 metres, SAAM XIMBAL combines compact dimensions with the power required for demanding harbour operations.
The tug delivers over 80 tonnes of bollard pull and achieves a free-running speed of 13 knots. It is also equipped with FiFi 1 firefighting capability, further enhancing its operational versatility.
SAAM XIMBAL joins a diverse group of SANMAR-built vessels already operating in the SAAM Towage fleet. Alongside the 13 BOĞAÇAY Class tugs, these include three all-electric ElectRA harbour tugs and two powerful BİGAÇAY Class RAstar 2900SX tugs, reflecting SAAM Towage’s ongoing fleet renewal and investment in advanced and increasingly sustainable tug technology.
Commenting on the delivery, Rüçhan Çıvgın, Commercial Director of Sanmar Shipyards, said:
“The delivery of our 18th tug to SAAM Towage is another proud moment in a relationship that has grown significantly since 2018. It is particularly meaningful that SAAM XIMBAL is the 13th BOĞAÇAY Class tug in their fleet. BOĞAÇAY has become one of SANMAR’s most iconic and successful tug series, with a proven track record in international markets. SAAM Towage’s continued confidence in the design is a strong endorsement of its performance, versatility and reliability, and we are proud to continue supporting the renewal of their fleet across the Americas.”
“Receiving the SAAM XIMBAL our 18th tugboat from SANMAR is a clear evidence of a partnership that has become more robust and valuable through time and that we certainly expect to make grow even more in the future. From the other side, delivering highly powered, versatile and more sustainable equipped tugboats to our operations in Mexico make us all at SAAM proud knowing that we are exceeding our stakeholders’ expectations”, said Pablo Caceres, SAAM Towage Innovation and Shipbuilding Director.
The delivery of SAAM XIMBAL further strengthens a partnership that has grown through successive additions to SAAM Towage’s fleet, while expanding the presence of SANMAR-built tugboats across the Americas.