Major tug builder reaches key propulsion milestone 

At a ceremony in Rauma, Finland, Damen and Kongsberg Maritime celebrated the delivery of the 1,500th Kongsberg azimuth thruster delivered to Damen Shipyards Group, in a relationship spanning more than 40 years.

It is one of a pair that will be installed on a Damen ASD Tug 2813, currently under construction at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam.

“Today marks a special milestone in our long, collaborative relationship with Damen,” said Kongsberg Maritime senior vice president for thrusters Ville Rimpilä. “Our azimuth thruster technology is a critical part of global shipping operations, offering high thrust and efficiency to tug owners worldwide.”

This ASD tugboat will have an overall length of 28 m, a beam of 13 m, a bollard pull of 83 tonnes and a top speed of 13 knots.

“We have long-standing relationships with our clients and partners, such as Kongsberg,” said Damen Workboats managing director Martin de Bruijn. “The continual evolution of our products is dependent on such partnerships and their products. As such, we fully appreciate the capability that Kongsberg helps bring to our tugs.”

Kongsberg’s support of Damen’s newbuilding projects and relationship results in shorter lead times and optimised manufacturing and delivery processes.

“This collaborative approach has never been as important as it is today, as we fix our sights on optimising the safe and sustainable performance of our vessels,” said Mr de Bruijn.

“We look forward to our continued co-operation in the years ahead and the delivery of the next 1,500 thrusters.”

Damen builds various types of harbour and coastal towage tugs initially for its own stock and operations before selling them on to other vessel owners.