Finnish marine propulsion expert Steerprop has retained its position as supplier for a series of tugboats being built by Turkish shipyard group Med Marine, securing a repeat order for two Steerprop SP 175 T propulsors for the third vessel in the series.

The contract follows a similar scope of delivery for the first two vessels, which entered service in 2024 and were the first to deploy Steerprop’s T-series propulsors tailored for the high-performance yet cost-sensitive tugboat market. The propulsors will be installed on a Rascal 2100-Z series harbour tug designed by Robert Allan Ltd., with the operator yet to be confirmed.

MODULARITY AND SCALABILITY
The propulsion design meets the thrust, efficiency, flexibility and reliability demands of tug operators, while also addressing shipyard integration requirements with a focus on modularity and scalability. Validation by Med Marine — which operates its own fleet of tugs and owns a tug-building shipyard — represents a strong endorsement of the solution.

Steerprop Sales Manager, Tugs & Workboats, Kimmo Lainio said: “The Steerprop T-series addresses the tug segment’s need for powerful and manoeuvrable propulsion that can be installed cost-effectively across multiple compact, high-capability vessels. After two years of successful operation on the first vessels in the series, this repeat order from one of the world’s leading tug builders demonstrates the strength of that concept.”

Steerprop T-series propulsors combine the company’s expertise in purpose-built propulsion with the competitive capital and lifecycle costs required by tug builders and operators. The sizing and powering of the units resulted from close collaboration between Robert Allan Ltd., Med Marine and Steerprop, demonstrating that tailored propulsion solutions can compete successfully even in highly cost-competitive markets.

DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS AND OPERATING PROFILES
The robust, hydrodynamically efficient propulsors can adapt to different configurations and operating profiles with mechanical, hybrid or electric prime movers, while maximising available bollard pull. The two propulsion units for the new vessel will feature 1.80m propellers with nozzles and deliver 1,080 kW of thrust each, providing a total bollard pull of 35 tonnes.

The scope of supply also includes wheelhouse controls, featuring Steerprop’s adaptable and ergonomically designed lever system. The propulsion units and control systems are scheduled for delivery in February 2027.