Twin ASD tugs ordered for Qatari naval forces

Construction has started in Vietnam on two azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugboats ordered by the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) to manoeuvre and dock its warships.

Damen Shipyards is well underway with building the first and laid the keel for the second of these tugs in December 2025. The first is due to be delivered later this year, and the second in Q2 2027.

QENF contracted the shipbuilder for these vessels under a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations, covering the general delivery of auxiliary vessels to its naval fleet.

Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam is building these 33-m tugs to Damen’s ASD 3212 design with a 13-m beam, a maximum speed of just over 13 knots, accommodation for 10 crew members and 82 tonnes of bollard pull ahead and 77 tonnes astern.

“To ensure the tugs’ capability to support the QENF fleet both in port and offshore, we are outfitting the vessels with a range of options. Among these is an aft winch, deck crane and FiFi1 fire-fighting capabilities,” said Damen.

Their propulsion will include two diesel-fuelled, high-speed, four-stroke engines driving two azimuth thrusters on the stern.

Damen will also support the QENF extending beyond the delivery of the tugs, including simulation training for crews in the Netherlands, on-location training in Qatar, and a five-year maintenance and spare parts package.