Following a tender process, Damen Shipyards Group was awarded a contract by the Port of Antwerp to deliver two reverse stern drive (RSD) Tugs 2513
The RSD Tug 2513 is a dedicated ship-handling tug with 70 tonnes of bollard pull, equipped with two bows to ensure optimal performance when assisting operations. As a result of the ’bow first’ approach, Damen has incorporated a higher freeboard than would usually be possible on a tug of this size and expects to see improved seakeeping and increased safety on board.
Damen sales manager for Benelux, Vincent Maes said “We are very proud to deliver the first Damen tugs – and also the first azimuth driven tugs – to the Port of Antwerp to match their sustainable and operational ambitions.”
The Port of Antwerp opted to have the vessels fitted with Damen’s in-house, certified Marine NOX reduction system, making them IMO Tier III-compliant. Damen said the RSD Tug 2513 with the system produces considerably fewer emissions than an equivalent tug without the system.
Port of Antwerp technical manager Celine Audenaerdt said the port attaches great importance to sustainability and has taken measures to modernise its fleet. “We are systematically replacing our tugs with modern, more environmentally friendly tugs. Buying the two Damen tugs fits in this framework. The new tugs have more fuel-efficient engines and a more efficient propulsion, which significantly reduces fuel consumption. In addition, we are developing two new prototypes for hydrogen and methanol propulsion.”
The port has previously partnered with Belgian shipping group Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) to build Hydrotug, the first hydrogen-powered tug.
Both tug vessels are part of Damen’s next-generation tug series, which combine existing technical expertise with innovations such as Damen’s Safety Glass shatterproof glazing similar to that used in cars and an ergonomic human-machine interface. The vessels are also fitted with FiFi 1 firefighting capabilities.
The company has previously delivered Innovation, a 25-m tug built to the same RSD Tug 2513 specification.
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