The Fairplay Towage Group has ordered four harbour tugs and two offshore tugs from Sanmar Shipyards. The new vessels are due to be delivered from mid-2027 onwards and will expand and modernise the Hamburg-based tugboat operator’s fleet.
The customers are Fairplay Germany and Fairplay Polska. The six vessels are being built at Sanmar’s shipyards in Turkey based on designs by the Canadian design firm Robert Allan. The four ‘RAmparts 2400SX’ harbour tugs will have a power output of 4,700 kW. or more and a bollard pull of at least 80 t each. They are intended for use in European ports between Poland and Belgium. The first newbuild is scheduled for delivery in mid-2027, with the remaining three to follow by the end of the same year.
Offshore tugs with up to 125 t of bollard pull
For offshore operations, the order comprises one RAstar 3200SX with a bollard pull of 90 t and one “Rampage 4200” with a bollard pull of 125 t. The more powerful of the two newbuilds will have 7.782 kW. The tugs are intended for operations in the North Sea as well as for projects in Africa and South America. They are scheduled to enter service in the first half of 2028.
All six newbuilds are to meet the requirements of the IMO Tier III emissions standard and will be awarded an ice class. Furthermore, according to the shipping company, they will be equipped to assist LNG tankers in winter conditions.
First construction contract with Sanmar since 2008
With this order, Fairplay is resuming its collaboration with Sanmar. “This is the first time since 2008 that we have commissioned a vessel from Sanmar. We have known the shipyard and its capabilities for many years and are delighted to resume this collaboration with such a significant new-build programme,” said Fairplay Managing Director Philip-Alexander Harmstorf.
Arkadiusz Ryż, Managing Director of Fairplay Towage Polska, cited the companies’ experience and flexibility in meeting requirements as key reasons for choosing the shipyard and Robert Allan’s designs. Sanmar CEO Ali Gürün described the contract as an important milestone for the renewed collaboration.
According to its own figures, the Fairplay Towage Group operates more than 100 tugs and is active in 24 European ports. In addition to port assistance, the group offers offshore, deep-sea and salvage services. The company has not disclosed the value of the contract.
