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MedTug names RSD vessel in Malta
The subsidiary of Mediterranean Shipping Co has started operating a new tugboat in Malta to handle large ships while producing less pollution
Tug Malta has named its latest newbuild harbour tugboat after receiving it from a global shipbuilder, naming the reverse stern drive (RSD) vessel Med Aldebaran during a ceremony at Malta’s Port of Marsaxlokk on 4 December 2024, attended by Malta’s prime minister, Robert Abela, and MedTug managing director of international operations, Giacomo Gavarone.
This tug was built by Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam under a contract signed in March 2024 to Damen’s RSD 2513 design with 80 tonnes of bollard pull.
Tug Malta said it will add significant strength to the company’s operations in Malta’s Port of Marsaxlokk.
This 25-m tug has Damen’s NOx removal unit, with a selective catalytic reduction module and urea tank for compliance with IMO Tier III emissions requirements. It also has a FiFi1 fire-fighting system and Damen Triton, an internet-of-things solution for collecting and analysing data gathered from sensors all around the vessel.
After its construction in Vietnam, Med Aldebaran was sailed to Malta on its own keel, via the Cape of Good Hope.
“This tug has without any doubt the top technology in its category, as far as performance, safety and security are concerned,” said Mr Gavarone.
“Med Aldebaran is the first tug in our fleet equipped with IMO Tier III technology. This represents an important first step for the reduction in the emissions of our fleet and to helping achieve the government’s vision for carbon neutrality by 2050.”
It joins several Damen-built tugs in MedTug’s fleet which includes another RSD 2513 tug Damen delivered in 2021 and azimuth stern drive tugboats.
In his speech, Mr Abela emphasised the critical need for Malta to develop a fully integrated maritime hub and highlighted how investing in Med Aldebaran aligns with Malta’s vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“The Grand Harbour boasts prime sites with immense potential, and it is crucial we take decisive action to transform these areas,” he said.
“By strengthening infrastructure, attracting investment and fostering opportunities for services of all sizes, we can unlock this potential and drive sustainable economic growth.”
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