Global towage operator Svitzer has signed a contract with the Damen Shipyards Group for four ATD 2412 tugs as part of Svitzer’s ongoing fleet renewal programme.
All four tugs are being built at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam. Demonstrating the advantages to be gained from building vessels for stock, Damen is handing over the first two vessels just a month after contract signing.
Svitzer has the first two tugs signed up for port towage operations at its Dominican Republic joint venture with Remolcadores Dominicanos. Damen will deliver these vessels, to be called Svitzer Maimon and Svitzer Beata, in mid-April 2016. The second two tugs are due for completion in August 2016.
All four vessels are of Damen’s 24m Azimuth Tractor Drive (ATD) design. This compact, heavy duty tug yields an tonne bollard pull of over 65 tonnes – the power originating from twin Caterpillar 3516C main engines.
A top speed of 12 knots and a powerful aft winch, combined with Damen’s experience with tug design, make these vessels suitable for consistent and effective harbour towage activities.
