The high‑speed segment of marine propulsion has received a fresh boost as Everllence finalised a contract with a Turkish shipyard to supply a total of sixteen 175D gensets. These power units will equip four newly‑ordered Rampage 6000‑DE offshore terminal tugs, a design credited to naval architect Robert Allen.
Scope of the order and technical layout
The Maritime Executive detailed that each of the four tug “shipsets” will carry four gensets: two 12V175D‑MEL units delivering 2 280 kW each, and two 16V175D‑MEM machines rated at 2 560 kW apiece. The aggregate power per vessel therefore exceeds 9 680 kW, a capacity suited to the demanding towing, safety, logistics and dynamic positioning tasks typical of deep‑water support vessels.
Offshore Engineer confirmed that the engines will be installed in diesel‑electric configurations, giving the tugs flexibility across varied operating modes while preserving a common parts base. The order therefore represents not only an equipment supply deal but also a strategic move toward standardisation within Smit Lamnalco’s fleet.
Operational intent and geographic focus
The four Rampage 6000‑DE tugs are earmarked for deployment by Smit Lamnalco, a subsidiary of Boskalis, in Guyana’s Stabroek Block. The block hosts a cluster of floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units, and the new vessels will support large‑scale deepwater oil production through towing, safety patrols, logistical resupply, dynamic positioning for vessel assistance and routine maintenance duties.
MarineLink highlighted that the tugs will operate in South America’s offshore environment, a region where reliable power generation and efficient fuel consumption are paramount given the distance from shore‑based support facilities. By assigning diesel‑electric vessels equipped with Everllence engines, Smit Lamnalco aims to maximise on‑service availability while curbing operational costs.
Delivery timetable and contractual milestones
The first of the four shipsets is slated for delivery by the end of 2026, with the remaining three following throughout 2027. The Maritime Executive noted that the contract was signed within the “high‑speed segment” of Everllence’s product line, underscoring the company’s confidence in delivering engines capable of sustained high RPM operation without sacrificing durability.
Both Offshore Engineer and MarineLink reported that the Turkish shipyard will handle the integration of the gensets into the hulls, though specific yard identification was not disclosed. The staggered delivery schedule aligns with the anticipated commissioning phases of the Stabroek Block FPSO fleet, ensuring that tug support will be available as new production units come online.
Rationale behind engine selection – comments from Smit Lamnalco
Jamie Stewart, Group Tender Manager for Smit Lamnalco, explained to Offshore Engineer why Everllence’s 175D platform was chosen. He cited the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability and strong technical support, as well as “efficient fuel and lube oil consumption” that remains commercially competitive.
Stewart further emphasised that the engines’ extended overhaul intervals will translate into “maximum in‑service time for our charterer” and a reduction in operational expenditure over the vessels’ lifetimes. By combining 12‑cylinder and 16‑cylinder high‑speed models, the diesel‑electric tugs gain “flexibility to operate fuel‑efficiently across various operating modes,” while maintaining equipment commonality that reduces spare‑parts inventory costs.
He concluded with confidence: “We look forward to many years of reliable operation with this equipment being integral to our operational success.” The quotation appears in both Offshore Engineer and MarineLink coverage, reinforcing the strategic importance placed on the Everllence engines by the operator.
Strategic implications for offshore support fleets
The contract reflects a broader industry trend toward diesel‑electric propulsion for high‑power offshore workboats. By selecting a modular engine family that can be mixed within a single vessel, Smit Lamnalco positions its fleet to adapt quickly to varying power demands—whether towing massive FPSO modules or maintaining station‑keeping during dynamic positioning drills.
Everllence’s claim of “high‑speed” performance also suggests the tugs will retain sufficient thrust margins for emergency response scenarios, a critical factor in regions where rapid weather changes can threaten offshore installations. The combination of robust power output, fuel efficiency and extended maintenance windows aligns with operators’ objectives to lower total cost of ownership while preserving operational readiness.
What this means for operators
For ship owners and charterers operating diesel‑electric tugs in remote offshore environments, the Everllence 175D solution offers a tangible pathway to reduce fuel burn and lubricating oil usage without compromising power density. The mixed‑cylinder layout simplifies spare‑parts logistics, allowing a single inventory pool to service both 12‑ and 16‑cylinder units. Longer overhaul intervals mean fewer dry‑docking events, directly translating into higher vessel utilisation rates—a decisive advantage when supporting capital‑intensive FPSO programmes. Operators should therefore anticipate lower operating expenditures, improved schedule reliability and greater flexibility in matching propulsion output to the varied tasks demanded by offshore oil‑and‑gas projects.