The latest delivery is the seventh SANMAR-built tug to join the H. Schramm Towage fleet, continuing a relationship between the two companies that dates back to 2005 

Sanmar Shipyards has delivered NICO, a powerful and versatile new tug designed for both harbour ship-handling and towing operations, to long-standing German operator H. Schramm Towage. The latest delivery is the seventh SANMAR-built tug to join the H. Schramm Towage fleet, continuing a relationship between the two companies that dates back to 2005 and reflecting the operator's continued confidence in SANMAR's tug-building expertise.

During its construction in Turkey, the tug was known as DELICAY XVIII. It has now been renamed NICO by H. Schramm Towage and will join its tug fleet, supporting a wide range of towage and ship-handling operations in German ports and coastal waters.

The NICO is based on the TRAktor-Z 2500SX design.

The NICO  (MMSI 276594000, sailing under the flag of Estonia ) is based on the TRAktor-Z 2500SX design, which was developed exclusively for SANMAR by the internationally renowned Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan Ltd. Powered by two CAT 3516E main engines, each producing 2,350 kW at 1,800 rpm and fully compliant with IMO Tier III emissions standards, the tugboat offers a combination of high performance and advanced environmental credentials. A powerhouse of versatility, NICO is designed to perform a wide range of duties, from harbour ship-handling to towing operations. With an impressive 80 tonnes of bollard pull and a free-running speed of 12.5 knots, it delivers the power and agility needed for the most challenging operations.

The highly efficient twin Z-drive tug

The highly efficient, 25.3-metre-long tractor tug is equipped with twin Z-drives and has a moulded beam of 12 metres and a minimum moulded depth of 4.55 metres. NICO is also equipped with FiFi 1 firefighting capabilities and can accommodate a crew of up to six people.

 A trio of sister azimuth tractor tugs

With the addition of NICO to the fleet, H. Schramm Towage now operates three azimuth tractor tugs from SANMAR's successful DELICAY series: SÖNKE, BO and NICO. The three tugs together demonstrate the proven performance and versatility of the design, as well as H. Schramm Towage's continued confidence in the series.

The relationship with H. Schramm Towage has lasted more than 20 years.

Rüçhan Çıvgın, Sanmar Shipyards' Commercial Director, had this to say about the delivery: "We've been working with H. Schramm Towage for more than 20 years, so it's great to see our partnership continue with the delivery of NICO. As a family-owned company with a long maritime heritage, H. Schramm Towage recognises the importance of investing in the future. We are proud to support them with our technologically advanced, high-performance, environmentally responsible tugboats, which are designed to meet their evolving operational needs.' The contract for NICO was signed at the TugTechnology Conference and Exhibition in Antwerp in May 2025.

NICO to the fleet of H. Schramm Towage.

Nico Andritter-Witt is the Managing Director of H. Schramm Towage. He commented on the delivery. He said: "We are very pleased to welcome NICO to our fleet. Having already gained excellent experience with her sister vessels, Sönke and Bo, choosing this proven design again was an obvious decision for us. Sanmar has been a trusted partner of H. Schramm Towage for over 20 years, and we greatly value the quality of their vessels, not to mention the close, professional and reliable cooperation between our companies.”

Related: SAAM Towage takes delivery of IMO Tier III tug from Sanmar Shipyards.

The delivery of NICO further strengthens a relationship spanning more than two decades and demonstrates SANMAR's ability to provide powerful, versatile and environmentally responsible tug solutions tailored to the evolving needs of its customers.

About Sanmar Shipyards

With a history of 50 years in tugboat building, Sanmar Shipyards is a world-renowned tug and workboat builder based in Türkiye, specialising in high-performance, technologically advanced and environmentally responsible vessels. SANMAR serves the global towage industry with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, safety and operational excellence.

About H. Schramm Towage

H. Schramm Towage is a family-owned German towage company with a maritime tradition dating back to 1926 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026. Based in Brunsbüttel, Hamburg, and Harlingen, the company operates a modern and versatile fleet of tugs and specialised vessels, providing ship assistance, sea towage, and project towage

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