Berg Propulsion Will Set 130-Tonne Turkish Bollard Pull Milestone

Why It Matters

The deal highlights the industry’s move toward fewer, higher‑pull, low‑emission tugs, giving Berg a strategic foothold in a key shipbuilding region. It also signals rising demand for electric propulsion in offshore support vessels, driving operational flexibility and emissions reductions.

Key Takeaways

• Four 130‑tonne bollard pull tugs ordered by Smit Lamnalco for French Guiana
• Berg supplies twin 4,000 kW electric motors, Z‑drive and bow thrusters
• First delivery slated for November 2026; final unit due July 2027
• Project highlights shift to high‑power, fully electric tug solutions
• Strengthens Berg’s market position in Turkey’s emerging tug‑building sector

Pulse Analysis

The maritime sector is accelerating its transition to electric propulsion as regulators tighten emissions standards and port operators demand cleaner, more responsive vessels. Fully electric or hybrid tugs offer instant torque, reduced fuel consumption, and lower noise, making them attractive for high‑intensity tasks such as firefighting and offshore support. Berg Propulsion’s latest contract exemplifies this trend, showcasing how manufacturers are leveraging high‑efficiency electric drives to meet the growing need for powerful yet environmentally responsible tugboats.

Designed by Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Limited, the RAmpage 6000‑DE platform combines a 60‑metre hull with twin 4,000 kW electric motors, delivering over 130 tonnes of bollard pull—far exceeding the capacity of previous Turkish builds. Berg’s package includes two MTA836 Z‑drive azimuth thrusters and two MTT216 controllable‑pitch bow thrusters, all managed by the MPC800 control system. This configuration provides full torque at any speed, eliminating the performance gaps inherent in conventional diesel engines and freeing up valuable onboard space for additional equipment or fuel storage.

Strategically, the contract cements Berg’s foothold in Turkey, a burgeoning hub for innovative tug construction, and reinforces its partnership with Uzmar Shipyard. For Smit Lamnalco, the high‑pull, diesel‑electric tugs promise greater operational flexibility in the challenging waters of French Guyana while aligning with sustainability goals. As the industry pivots toward fewer, higher‑capacity vessels, suppliers that can deliver integrated electric solutions—like Berg—are poised to capture a larger share of the global tug market, driving both commercial growth and greener maritime operations.