Svitzer has ordered two further ASD tugs from Turkey’s Sanmar Shipyards to service the multi-billion dollar INPEX-operated Ichthys LNG Project in the Port of Darwin, Australia.

The two new RAstar 2800 terminal tugs will be employed together with two existing vessels to assist LNG, LPG and condensate carriers at the Port of Darwin starting 2017. The carriers will transfer LNG from the project, currently under construction 220 km off western Australia.

As part of Svitzer’s plan to support the expected increase in operational activity within the Port of Darwin, the vessels will feature 80 tonnes of bollard pull, with escort ability, a render/recovery winch, aft winch, FIFI 1 and LNG packages, and accommodation space for 10 crew members.

The contract follows similar agreements between Svitzer and Shipyards for six ASD tugs, to be employed in the fulfillment of various towage contracts.