Damen Shipyards has commenced construction of two vessels for the Sharjah Ports Authority at its new facility in Sharjah, UAE.
Under terms of the contract, which was signed last month, Damen will build a ASD Tug 2411 and a Stan Pilot 1605 FRP for the Sharjah seaports.
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The 24.5m-long Damen tug has a bollard pull of 60t and will have a maximum speed of 13k. It will also be equipped with a FiFi 1 and water spraying notation.
The vessel will offer improved manoeuvrability and towing capabilities, and can perform in restricted waterways and open water assignments.
The newly designed Stan Pilot 1605 FRP will feature a chimed hull and modified Axe Bow to provide better sea keeping abilities, according to Damen. The new pilot boat will be capable of servicing at a speed of up to 33k.
Damen Middle East sales manager Pascal Slingerland said: "The Port Authority knows our vessels are reliable. We have built some 60 Damen ASD 2411 tugs over the years and a large number of these vessels are operating very successfully here in the UAE.
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By GlobalData"With such a large number of Damen tugs operating in this region, it is a big advantage that Damen is based in the Port Authority’s own free zone, when construction is going on and thereafter, so we can support Sharjah Port Authority with our on-site warranty and service engineers and our modern dry dock facility."
The ASD Tug will be deployed at the Port of Khor Fakkan, while the pilot boat will be stationed in Port Khalid.
Damen Shipyards Sharjah facility was opened in January this year and eight vessels are currently under construction at the yard.
Image: Officials of Damen and Sharjah Ports Authority during the keel laying ceremony. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
