On Friday 15 January 2015 Damen Shipyards Group handed over a new, next-generation, Damen RSD Tug 2513 to Tug Malta, Malta’s leading tug operator.
Named Senglea after the nearby historic city of the same name, she joins a fleet that already has a number of Damen ASD tugs, but is the first RSD tug to operate in the region.
First introduced in 2018, the RSD Tug 2513 represents a radical new design. Based on extensive industry consultation it is compact, for operations in and around harbours and terminals, yet it also has the power and flexibility to manoeuvre even the largest vessels safely, quickly and efficiently within restricted waters.
The design combines elements of both tractor and ASD tugs to create a class of vessel that effectively has two bows, making it equally effective at both bow and stern assists. Senglea will have an important role to play in manoeuvring container vessels safely in and out of the harbour.
Tug Malta, which is owned by Rimorchiatori Mediterranei Spa (Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group), placed the order for the vessel in November 2019. Built at Damen’s Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, she has an impressive bollard pull of 80 tonnes.
The design features Damen’s revolutionary Twin Fin skeg to enhance directional stability and provide higher indirect towing force. Other characteristics are IMO Tier III readiness, Damen Safety Glass and a glued superstructure to minimise noise and vibration.
In addition to the many innovations that are standard on the RSD Tug 2513 Senglea has been equipped with Fi-Fi 1 firefighting equipment and is fully compliant with local Maltese regulations.
