Damen Shipyards Group and the UK’s Portland Harbour Authority (PHA) have signed a contract for the delivery of one of Damen’s latest tugs, the Damen ASD Tug 2111.
The ASD Tug 2111 is 21m in length but can deliver 50t bollard pull as well as being highly manoeuvrable. Features include the location of the winch in the deck house, which allows fore and aft towing operations to be conducted with a single winch, and a full vision bridge with an uncluttered 360-degree view. This, and other features, allows the vessel to be operated with two crew. PHA’s new vessel will be fitted with Damen’s SCR system which will make it IMO Tier III compliant from the outset.
The vessel will be delivered later in 2024. Damen’s policy of building particular vessel types in anticipation of future orders means that customers of the ASD Tug 2111 can benefit from shortened delivery times.
Mike Shipley, GM (Marine) and Harbour Master, PHA, said: “Portland Port has the second largest man-made harbour in the world and we welcome a diverse range of vessels, including cruise ships. Our new Damen ASD Tug 2111 will be a valuable asset in managing the ships that use our facilities. As a government authority we are also pleased to be setting an example by using the latest clean technology to minimise emissions, particularly important given the sensitive countryside that surrounds us. Being able to take delivery so quickly is also an added benefit.”
The Damen ASD Tug 2111 is considered particularly well suited to the UK towage sector as it rates just below the MCA’s 200gt threshold.
Frederik van der Linde, Damen Sales Manager UK and Ireland added: “We are delighted to welcome the Portland Harbour Authority to the Damen family. The ASD Tug 2111 has met with a strong reception since we introduced the class in 2023 due to it packing a great deal of capability into a compact hull.”
Image: Damen ASD Tug 2111 (credit: Damen Shipyards)
