An environmentally friendly tugboat has entered service at Mersin Port

Mersin International Port (MIP) inaugurated the environmentally friendly MIP-5 tugboat, a first in Turkey, with a budget of 250 million Turkish Lira in a ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony held at the port area, MIP General Manager Ajay Kumar Singh stated, ‘Tugboat services are of critical importance in ensuring the safety, maneuverability, and operational efficiency of ships in our port. This new fuel-efficient, eco-friendly tugboat significantly reduces our greenhouse gas emissions while demonstrating our commitment to continue providing high-quality services to our customers.’ The state-of-the-art next-generation tugboat, MIP-5, with a traction power of 75 tons, two highly efficient 3516E diesel engines capable of generating 1,600 revolutions and 2,200 kW power each, is significantly more powerful than existing tugboats in Turkish ports with traction power between 45 and 60 tons, enabling rapid execution of all port operations, including handling the largest container ships up to 400 meters. Measuring 24.4 meters in length, 12 meters in width, and with a 5.5-meter draught, MIP-5 is equipped with a FIFI-1 fire extinguishing system that can intervene in the event of a potential fire on land or at sea, along with top-level deck/machinery equipment. Featuring a Selective Catalytic Oxide Reactor (SCR) that reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional diesel-powered tugboats, MIP-5 complies with the International Maritime Organization’s Environmental Protection Emission Standards (IMO Tier III), making it Turkey’s first tugboat with such capabilities. The ceremony for the commissioning of the tugboat was attended by Rear Admiral Murat Fırat, Mediterranean Regional Garrison Commander, Deputy Governor of Mersin and Civil Governor of Mersin Port İbrahim Küçük, Mersin Director of Coastal Safety Adnan Bilen, members of the local protocol, and MIP employees.