Albayrak orders tugs to boost west African terminal towage 

Damen said it would deliver both vessels within five to six months of the contract signature, as it had already begun their construction as part of its stock-building programme.

Both vessels will be customised to Albayrak’s and local flag state requirements, and for operating in tropical environments.

“Damen is able to offer a delivery time within half a year from the signing of our contract,” said Albayrak Group general manager Yunus Yilmaz.

“We view this collaboration with Damen as the beginning of a long-term partnership as we set about expanding our fleets in the eight ports we currently manage.”

The Albayrak Group is one of the largest businesses in Turkey and manages Alsancak Port in Izmir and Trabzon Port in the country.

It also manages Conakry in Guinea, Pointe-Noire Port in Congo, Mogadishu Port in Somalia, Banjul Port in Gambia, Bata and Malabo ports in Equatorial Guinea and Baku Port in Azerbaijan.

Damen said both ASD tugs on order were designed with compact power suited to modern port operations.

“They are highly manoeuvrable and suited to a wide range of port duties, including push-pull, harbour assistance and escort towage,” said Damen director of sales Emre Turkoz.

“Due to our stock-building programme, we can offer the Albayrak Group the rapid delivery it requires,” he said.

“These new tugs will meet the group’s requirements for its operations in the ports of Conakry and Pointe-Noire. and we look forward to continuing our collaboration in the future.”