A powerful celebration of engineering excellence and partnership took place at UZMAR Shipyard with the official delivery of five cutting-edge tugboats to KOTUG International. The vessels, SD Wonder, SD Djoudj, SD Chatboul, SD Rosso, and SD Waalo , will support KOTUG’s long-term offshore terminal operations, four of them in Mauritania and Senegal, and one in Congo, providing essential towage and marine support services for the region’s advanced LNG infrastructure. Built to the highest international standards, the tugs deliver 80 tonnes of bollard pull and are equipped with top-tier safety and environmental features, ensuring both reliability and sustainability in demanding offshore conditions.
The event was attended by KOTUG President Mr. Ard-Jan Kooren, UZMAR President Mr. A. Noyan Altug, senior executives, and distinguished guests from across the maritime industry. This delivery marks the completion of a significant five-vessel program developed in close collaboration between KOTUG and UZMAR.
Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG, said: “This milestone reflects more than the delivery of five vessels; it reflects The future of maritime excellence.Together with UZMAR, we have built not only state-of-the-art tugboats but also the foundation for future growth in West Africa. Four of these vessels will support vital energy flows, strengthen port operations, and drive economic development in Senegal and Mauritania. As a family-owned company, we take pride in collaborating with the communities we operate, while we accelerate the industry with cutting edge technology based on decades of experience and leading of the industry. Today, we celebrate engineering excellence, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of our industry.”
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Mr. A. Noyan Altug, President & CEO of UZMAR, added: "KOTUG and UZMAR first crossed paths 25 years ago, not just as companies, but as visionaries in maritime. Back then, it was the beginning of a mutual respect, a shared mindset, and now, many years later, that connection has grown into something far more meaningful.
Although this five-vessel project began more recently, it was built on decades of trust and understanding. Through every challenge, every handshake, and now every vessel launched, our relationship has only deepened, not just professionally, but personally. Today, as we proudly deliver these five state-of-the-art vessels, we don’t just celebrate engineering excellence but we also celebrate loyalty, shared values, and a friendship that stood the test of time. KOTUG and UZMAR are no longer just partners, we are family. And together, we continue to shape the future of our industry with passion, precision, and purpose.”
The delivery ceremony in İzmit brought together teams from both companies, honoring the engineers, welders, project managers, and crew whose craftsmanship and dedication made the project a success.
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