Dutch shipbuilding group Damen has received an order from Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) to deliver ten azimuthing stern drive (ASD) 2810 tugs, as part of its tug fleet renewal and strategic shift from chartered to owned tonnage.
Under the order, Damen will equip each tug with a 60t bollard pull rating, FiFi 1 capability, an aft towing winch and a large deck crane with a 1.45t lift capacity and 12.6m outreach.
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The new 28m-long tugs are expected to enhance operating efficiencies, reduce running costs, and provide mooring and manoeuvring support to tankers in Venezuelan ports and harbours.
Damen regional sales manager Erik Hertel said: “There are two main reasons why PDVSA opted for the Damen design.”
“Technically the ASD 2810’s flexibility and high-end performance makes a perfect match for PDVSA requirements; this is our most popular standard tug and has a proven track record for reliability. In addition, we were able to provide a very short delivery time as a result of our policy of building tugs for stock.”
Of the ten tugs, seven are being supplied by Damen Shipyards Galati (Romania), while the remaining three are being built at the company’s joint venture Song Cam yard in Vietnam.
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By GlobalDataDeliveries of all ten tugs are expected to take place by the end of July.
Additionally, both companies are considering the possibility of Damen establishing service and maintenance facilities to support the operations of PDVSA new fleet of tugs in Venezuela.
Image: Damen to deliver ASD 2810 tugs to Petroleos de Venezuela SA. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.
