Sanmar Shipyards has appointed three new directors to drive forward its mission to lead the tug and towing sector into a sustainable, environmentally-conscious future, based on low and no emission tugs.
Tamer Geçkin, Hakan Tunç, and Özer İlhan, who recently took manager roles at Sanmar and took on a new role within the company, have the expertise and practical experience in new and developing technologies and alternative fuels. All three directors will use their know-how to push Sanmar’s ambitious plans forward.
After graduating from Istanbul Yıldız Technical University Electrical Engineering Department in 1997, Tamer Geçkin worked as a design and field engineer for several years before joining Sanmar as an electrical systems manager in 2006, becoming head of the R&D and Electrical Department in 2011.
Geçkin is currently co-ordinator of Sanmar’s project to build three fully electric tugs and dual-fuel tugs for Seaspan Haisea and was previously project manager when Sanmar built the world’s first LNG-fuelled tug.
Tamer Geçkin said, “At the moment the best green option for harbour work is for the tug to be powered by a battery, charged from the shore. This setup works because a harbour tug’s operating profile is predictable and can be calculated from the operator’s daily jobs. We are proud to have introduced five tugs, with different lengths and bollard pulls, into our portfolio that can be powered this way.”
Hakan Tunç, who has been promoted from Procurement Manager to Engineering Director, graduated from the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering faculty of Istanbul Technical University with a masters’ degree in business administration. He has worked in tug construction for 17 years and has vast experience in engineering and strategical procurement. He joined Sanmar in 2016, working as project manager on the Sırapınar, Delicay, and Yenicay tug series, adding procurement manager to his responsibilities in 2017.
Tunç said, “As we all concentrated on reducing the carbon footprint, alternative energy sources are always an important topic in our business. The success of implementing new technology depends on the collaboration of the tug operator, designer, major equipment supplier, and the builder. These four stakeholders, sharing the ideas, ensure the success of the project.”
Özer İlhan has been appointed Design & Development Director having previously been Design & Development Manager He graduated from Istanbul Technical University Naval Architecture and Ship Engineering Department in 1995.
After working as a naval architect, project coordinator, and manager for several years, involved with conversions, chemical tankers, and fishing vessels, he was first introduced to tugs and leading tug designer Robert Allan Ltd in 2011. Since becoming Sanmar Shipyards’ design manager in 2014, he has been improving the shipyard’s in-house design capability. His team not only updates current designs to match customers’ individual needs but also works in close cooperation with Robert Allan Ltd to develop innovative new designs aimed at reducing emissions while maintaining or improving performance and power.
İlhan, Design and Development Director, said, “LNG Fuel is suitable for deep-sea ships or their escort tugs. LNG-fueled escort tugs are one of the greenest options at present because natural gas is the alternative fuel currently available that can be used to reduce emissions. Also, LNG fuel is a futureproof solution, as there are many alternative fuels not yet so available commercially, that can use the same structure.”
