The first Damen ASD 2810 has left for Trinidad, while the second vessel will leave in two weeks. The last two tugs will arrive mid-December this year. The tugs are being built at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania, and will be delivered by Damen Services in Trinidad and Tobago before 1 January 2015. The vessels will provide towage services for escorting, berthing and un-berthing LNG vessels.
The ASD Tugs 2810 have a minimal bollard pull of 60 t and a maximum speed of 12.9 knots. For operation in and around LNG terminals, the vessels are fitted with rig savers on all engines, including remote shut off valves, remote-closing air intakes, gas detection systems and exterior explosion-proof lighting.
On 31 July 2013, ARC Towage singed four contracts with Damen Shipyards Group, the Dutch shipbuilder. The new building contracts with ARC Towage are the result of a special joint venture set up for the terminal berthing services for a significant energy industry player in Trinidad and Tobago.
Damen ASD 2810 leaves for Trinidad
Adapted from press release by Ted Monroe