Sanmar Launches World’s First Advanced Variable Drive (AVD) Hydraulic Tugboat With Innovative Technology From Caterpillar Marine

For Worldwide Release:  February 2020

Istanbul, Turkey – Caterpillar Marine is pleased to announce the ceremonial launch of Sanmar’s new hydraulic hybrid tug, BOĞAÇAY XXXVIII (38), completely equipped with a Cat® Marine Advanced Variable Drive™ (AVD™).  The BOĞAÇAY 38 enters the industry as the world’s first AVD vessel. The ceremony took place on January 11th at the Sanmar shipyard in Istanbul, Turkey, and the tug is scheduled to soon join the Sanmar towage fleet.

Borusan Cat, one of Caterpillar dealers in Turkey carried out the project in Turkey. “I´m proud of our partner Sanmar and Borusan Cat on the realization of this exciting hybrid tug project. The proven variable drive technology from our 966XE wheel loader has seen significant success across the world. Now with similar technology, we have a true variable speed marine transmission which will provide serious operational savings in fuel and maintenance,” said Caterpillar Marine tug & dredge segment manager, Michael Braun.

Sanmar, one of the largest owners, operators, and manufacturers in the tugboat industry, and Borusan Cat have enjoyed a long-standing cooperation with each other. Over the last 20 years, they have delivered about 200 vessels, equipped with Cat engines and Cat generators, to local and global end users.

BOĞAÇAY XXXVIII  is a Robert Allan Ltd. designed Ramparts 2400SX harbor tug, including an integrated Caterpillar AVD™ system of 3512 main engines, a C32 auxiliary engine, Cat MTA 627 fixed pitch tug thrusters, and bridge controls. The tug is the 200th Robert Allan Design for Sanmar and it is a milestone for the designer and the builder. Inspired by Andy Warhol’s famous print entitled, “Flowers”, the tug has been painted to a green hull and is embellished with colorful flowers on the deckhouse.

Ali Gürün, Vice President of Sanmar commented, “Innovation, respect to environment, quality, form, function, esthetics and art; they are all essential parts of this new tugboat and it describes Sanmar very well. We are proud that this boat is joining our fleet and improving the quality and efficiency in our operations in Turkish Ports.”

The Cat AVD™ is an integrated propulsion system that optimizes engine and system operation independently of propeller speed while supplementing power hydraulically. Thus, resulting in superior vessel response and performance while also providing significant fuel cost savings. The system is flexible and can accommodate three different modes of operation. Switching between the modes is as easy as pushing a button.

The first mode, transit mode, operates when the main engines are powered off and unclutched. Propulsion is then provided hydraulically utilizing an auxiliary engine. Transit mode can achieve a maximum speed above 9 knots. In mode 2, or work mode, propulsion is provided hydromechanically, which allows for the most efficient combination of engine and hydraulic system operation. Work mode allows for a bollard pull of up to 60 metric tons. In the final mode, boost mode, the auxiliary engine power supplements additional hydraulic power through the AVD system, providing maximum available power and 70 metric tons in bollard pull, or over 13 knots in a maximum vessel speed. With improved response maneuverability and positioning, the Advanced Variable Drive™ System represents the next step in optimized performance and efficiency.

Caterpillar Marine appreciates the opportunity to supply engines and the innovative AVD system to SANMAR’s newest tug and together with the local Cat dealer, will work to ensure continued service support.

About Caterpillar Marine:

Caterpillar Marine, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, groups all the marketing and service activities for Cat® and MaK marine diesel, dual fuel and gas power and propulsion systems within Caterpillar Inc. The organization provides premier power solutions in the medium- and high-speed segments with outputs from 93 to 16,800 kW in main propulsion and 10 to 16,100 kWe in marine generator sets as well as a comprehensive portfolio of propulsion solutions. The sales and service network includes more than 2,100 dealer locations world-wide dedicated to support customers in ocean-going, commercial marine and pleasure craft wherever they are.

More information is available at: www.cat.com/marine

About Caterpillar

Since 1925, Caterpillar Inc. has been helping our customers build a better world – making sustainable progress possible and driving positive change on every continent. With 2019 sales and revenues of $53.8 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. Services offered throughout the product life cycle, cutting-edge technology and decades of product expertise set Caterpillar apart, providing exceptional value to help our customers succeed. The company principally operates through three primary segments - Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Energy & Transportation - and provides financing and related services through its Financial Products segment. For more information, visit caterpillar.com. To connect on social media, visit caterpillar.com/social-media.

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