Rimorchiatori Riuniti takes delivery of Damen ASD 2411 (photo release)
Rimorchiatori Riuniti S.p.A. of Genoa (Italy) has taken delivery of a Damen ASD Tug 2411. The 70 tonne bollard pull azimuth stern drive tug will be temporarily deployed by Tug Malta Ltd., a full subsidiary of the Genovese towage company, the company said in its press release.
Named Malta, the tug was officially delivered to Mr. Gregorio Gavarone, Managing Director of Rimorchiatori Riuniti. The transfer took place in Malta. Initially flying the Maltese flag, the 24.5 metre ASD 2411 will temporarily be prospecting for work in the Mediterranean under the auspices of Tug Malta. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Transport, Hon. Joseph Mizzi and included a short trip in the Grand Harbour, Europe’s biggest natural harbour.
Through the Malta, the owners and Damen Shipyards Group have met again, as Rimorchiatori Riuniti itself owns two Damen tugs. Significantly, Tug Malta operates the 2006-built ASD 2411 Wenzina and the ASD 3111 Pawlina, which is a longer version.
Like the ‘Wenzina’, the ‘Malta’ was built in Vietnam and also meets Italian flag regulations. The powerful tug was built from standard design. In addition, it was constructed in accordance with Damen’s related uncompromising uniform production standards.
“For decades already, it has been Damen’s commitment and philosophy to deliver a uniform, high quality shipbuilding standard worldwide at competitive prices and with short delivery times”, Mr. Andrea Trevisan, Damen’s Regional Sales Manager said at the hand-over gathering. “It is our edge in the shipbuilding industry. I am proud that Rimorchiatori Riuniti distinguishes this, and has again selected Damen for their fleet modernisation plans. The more so, as they are synonymous with quality and tradition in harbour towage. I am always thrilled to visit their head office in the Via Ponte Reale, Genoa.”
The Malta gets its 72.5 t BP ahead – and 66.7 t BP astern – from two Caterpillar 3516C TA HD/D) main engines delivering a joint 5,600 BHP at 1,600 rpm. Rimorchiatori Riuniti’s latest tug has two Rolls Royce US 255 azimuth thrusters with a 2,600 mm diameter fixed pitch propeller. Service speed is 13.4 knots and key dimensions are: 24.47 m., beam moulded 10.70 m and draught aft 5.35 m.