Damen launches first vessel in 14-tug order

APRIL 21, 2014 — Damen Shipyards’ Galati, Romania, yard recently launched the first in a series of 14 ASD tugs on order for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The vessel, an ASD Tug 3212, is the first of nine 80 t bollard pull tugs of this successful new design called for under the KOC contract, which also includes five 50 t bollard pull Damen ASD 2810 design tugs.

All vessels are to be constructed by Damen Shipyards Galati.

The new tugs will be equipped with powerful FiFi systems and will assisting tankers at near shore loading terminals and at new single point moorings further offshore. As such, they will also be equipped with powerful FiFi systems.

The cooperation between KOC and Damen dates back a quarter of a century, when Damen delivered several fast crew vessels and the large FiFi and terminal tug, Sabahi, to KOC. In the early nineties, Damen was contracted to construct a complete new fleet of tugs, crew tenders, work boats and mooring boats for KOC. In the years since, Damen has also provided KOC with comprehensive technical services, spare parts, and maintenance assistance.

The contract to design, construct and deliver the series of tugs for KOC awarded to Damen back in September 2012.