Hönö, Sweden-based Berg Propulsion has been contracted to supply the propulsion and control systems for four diesel-electric, firefighting offshore support tugs that will be the most powerful vessels of their type thus far built in Turkey. The tugs have been ordered by Smit Lamnalco at Uzmar Shipyard and will initially operate in French Guyana, with Berg due to deliver equipment for the first in the series in November 2026. All four tugs will feature bollard pull capacities exceeding 130 tonnes – remarkable for vessels using this high efficiency solution, and a step up from the largest tugs built by Uzmar to date which feature hybrid-electric propulsion also from Berg. Built to Canadian naval architect Robert Allan Limited’ s (RAL’s) RAmpage 6000-DE design, each 60 meter long tug will feature twin 4,000kW electric motors. Berg’s propulsive package will include two MTA836 Z drive fixed-pitch azimuth thrusters and two MTT216 controllable-pitch bow thrusters, alongside an MPC800 control system. “This contract is huge in scope and significant for its commercial and technical impact,” saysMustafa Müslüm, managing director, Berg Propulsion Eurasia. “Following on from earlier projects, we are delighted to work with Uzmar once more on this high-power tug order, and especially on an assignment which involves such an extensive package from Berg.” Adopting a 100%-electric powertrain brings particular benefits for operational responsiveness, Müslüm notes: “Diesel engines are optimized for efficiency at specific ratings and there are limits on flexibility. The all-electric setup provides full torque at any speed. For this reason, many tug owners have come to prefer propulsion systems that are hybrid- or fully-electric. “In addition, when power needs are high, tugboats lack the onboard space for the larger diesel engines required – which makes compact multi-genset configurations a more practical choice.” The latest order is significant for Berg’s growing reputation as