Confirming a well underway partnership, Rolls-Royce and Sanmar Shipyard signed a letter of intent for the supply of MTU engines.
MTU, part of the Land & Sea division of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, and the biggest Turkish tug operator and builder have been working together since 2009. Four 16V 4000 M63L engines were delivered by MTU in 2014 for two new Sanmar tugboats with a bollard pull of more than 70 tonnes.
This time, twelve more 16V 4000 M63 engines each providing 2,000 kW are on order for six RAstar 2800-E Class Azimuth Stern Drive tugs. Sanmar Shipyards is expected to deliver the first tugs to the Danish tug operator Svitzer in the first months of 2016.
The Class RAstar 2800-E Azimuth Stern Drive tugs currently being built by Sanmar are to be powered solely by MTU Series 16V 4000 M63 and M63L engines and by a Rolls-Royce or Schottel propeller system. The engines of this series are very efficient both in fuel consumption and maintenance costs, which are kept low due to a high TBO (Time Between Overhaul). They also meet EPA Tier 2, IMO Tier II and ZKR II emission standards.
“This collaboration is an important step for us. The Turkish tug market is highly competitive,” said Ekrem Kuraloğlu, Managing Director of MTU Turkey. “Sanmar Shipyards is one of the leading tugboat builders worldwide. With this agreement, MTU is now becoming a key supplier of Sanmar. We are delighted with the trust Sanmar has once again placed in our engines and services.”
SEAQUIP 2027: new exhibitors strengthen Its international presence
Silvia Chiarito
October 19, 2026
SEAQUIP 2027 continues to expand its international profile with the participation of leading marine industry companies, including Volvo Penta, Coelmo, Sleipner and Dometic. The second edition of the marine equipment exhibition, scheduled for 2–4 March 2027 at Fiera Milano Rho, is attracting a growing network of exhibitors and yachting professionals, while preparations for its conference programme move forward.
