Chilean towage specialist takes delivery of ASD Tugs 2411 duo from Damen

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered two ASD Tugs 2411 to SAAM S.A., the leading towage company with operations across South, Central and North America. These compact yet powerful vessels deliver over 70 tonnes of bollard pull and are exceptionally manoeuvrable and reliable, the Dutch shipbuilder said in a press release.

The order was placed just three months ago, following a visit by SAAM representatives to Damen Song Thu Shipyard in Vietnam where the vessels were already in build for stock. Their decision to go ahead with the purchase was based on Damen’s ability to combine high build and service quality, flexibility and fast delivery times, even when special modifications, as in this case, are required. The ASD Tug 2411 can be found operating all over the world. This rugged design packs a lot of capability into its 24 metres and has proven to be a dependable workhorse in all conditions.

SAAM is a long-standing client of Damen. In October 2015, SAAM SMIT, a joint venture formed in 2014 between SAAM and Dutch company Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., placed an order for an ASD Tug 2913, which was delivered in March 2016 and is now operating in Panama. With 80 tonnes of bollard pull, she is ideal for assisting vessels through the expanded Panama Canal. SAAM also purchased three Damen Stan Tugs between 1995 and 1999, and another two Damen ASD Tugs 2411 are currently in build at Wilson Sons in Brazil.

The two new tugs, named Tordo and Mirlo after Chilean birds, are now on their way to Valparaiso, Chile. Once they are fully commissioned they will begin harbour operations in the port of San Antonio. Damen will also be providing crew training and a range of other support services in their home country.

Pablo Caceres, Technical Manager for SAAM Towage, commented: “It was indeed interesting to be directly involved in the acceptance process for these two versatile tugboats. Not only are the vessels performing above SAAM expectations, but the experience of working with a Damen project management and production team fully committed to delivering a high quality product in terms of performance, presentation and seaworthiness was a very positive one".

Gorinchem, Netherlands based Damen Shipyards Group (established in 1927) is a globally operating company with 35 owned shipyards and numerous partner yards. Damen employs over 6,000 people, has built over 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers approximately 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Damen specializes in building tugs, workboats, patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, offshore support vessels, oil-spill response vessels, frigates and mega yachts. Besides, Damen offers efficient customer support, customer financing and complete lifecycle service.