Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 9
By Khalid Kazimov - Trend:
Managing Director of the Iranian Oil Terminals Company Pirouz Mousavi has announced the country's inauguration of its first domestically-made fire-tube steam tug engine, Mehr news agency reported Feb. 9.
The country's newly made operation watercraft called 12-Farvardin uses the 2350-horsepower Fuji diesel engine, the parts of which were entirely manufactured in Iran.
The main parts including the liner, pistons, the connection rod and its handle, as well as many other parts were made for the first time in Tabriz, Iran, Mousavi maintained.
The official noted that based on a long-term program by the Iranian government, the country is going to obviate the need to import related parts in two years.
"Last year we saved on $2 million by acquiring the parts needed from domestic manufacturers. With plans we have made, we intend to double the amount this year," he said.
He expressed hope that the new achievement would yield great gains in providing service to tankers and facilitate the export of crude oil and gas condensates.
Steam tugs are essential in oil and gas trade in that they are needed to moor giant tankers.