Damen has secured a contract from Fratelli Neri to deliver a new ASD 3212 tug, marking the first order from the Italian tug owner for Damen tug.
In addition, the Livorno-based firm has ordered two second-hand Stan tugs 2608 from Damen Trading.
Fratelli Neri chartering manager Corrado Neri said: "We are proud to add this Damen ASD 3212 tug to our fleet and quite confident that our Masters will enjoy using it.
"The tug will be used for port towage in the Mediterranean, although its versatility and performance do not preclude our using it elsewhere."
Launched in 2012, the Damen ASD 3212 features a revised hull form and a higher bow that provide better speed and a dry foredeck.
The 82t bollard pull tug is capable of cruising at a speed of 14.5k and can operate in three million wave heights supporting large tankers and container vessels in open and challenging waters.
Damen North, West and South Europe sales manager Andrea Trevisan said: "The tug will be delivered by December 2015.
"It was on stock and customised with the Italian flag including fire-fighting, water spray, notation as well as oil recovery notation."
Morover, the new vessel will be the first ASD tug in the Mediterranean region featuring a Damen render recovery escort winch, the company stated.
In 2010, Fratelli Neri also acquired a Damen Stan Tender 1905, LNG Express, which used as a crew boat at the floating LNG terminal near Livorno, Italy.
In June, Salvage and Towage specialist Vitzer awarded a contract to Damen Shipyards to deliver two additional ASD 3212 tugs with 80t bollard pull performance.
Image: Damen is expected to deliver Fratelli Neri’s ASD 3212 tug in December this year. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
