Rimorchiatori Augusta orders Damen ASD Tug 2810
Rimorchiatori Augusta and Damen Shipyards Group have recently signed a contract for an ASD 2810 tug for operations in the Sicilian port of Augusta. Rimorchiatori Augusta is a new venture for the Rimorchiatori Riuniti group and this will be the first new vessel for the company, demonstrating its commitment to future operations in the port, the Dutch shipbuilding group said Tuesday in a press release.
Rimorchiatori Augusta was formed following the purchase by Rimorchiatori Riuniti of Augustea Imprese Marittime and Salvataggi S.p.A. together with its fleet of 16 vessels. The company provides towage services in Augusta, Siracusa Santa Panagia, Catania and Pozzallo. The ASD Tug 2810 is its first purchase since the deal was announced, and it will operate in and around the port of Augusta. As well as managing regular cargo and passenger traffic, Augusta is one of the Mediterranean’s main oil hubs, serving a number of oil refineries. With 60 tonnes of bollard pull the ASD 2810 will bring a new level of capability. It will also be fitted with FiFi 1 fire-fighting equipment, upgraded towing hooks and have the necessary modifications required to meet Italian flag standards.
One of the factors in winning the contract was Damen’s ability to guarantee a quick delivery. The vessel is already in build at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam and will be handed over to Rimorchiatori Augusta in Italy at the end of this year. The Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group and Damen know each other well; recent orders from the Italian tug operator include a pair of ASD Tugs 2913 and before that an ASD Tug 2411. This latest acquisition will be the sixth Damen vessel to join the Rimorchiatori Riuniti fleet.
The ASD 2810 one of the most popular tugs in operation today, with over 200 active around the world. The design is continually updated to take in account customer feedback and improvements in components and technology. Each new vessel is modified to meet the exact needs of the customer.
Dott. Alberto Dellepiane, Director of Rimorchiatori Riuniti S.p.A. commented: “We selected a Damen tug once again based on the quality of its vessels and its ability to deliver the right product at the right time.”
Andrea Trevisan, Damen Sales Manager, said, “We are very honoured by this order and that a Damen tug will be the first vessel in the fleet of Rimorchiatori Augusta. It is also a pleasure to continue to serve Rimorchiatori Riuniti, with whom we enjoy an excellent relationship.”
On the photo from left to right: Ing. Raffaello Corradi (Technical Director Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group), Mr. Jan-Pierre Stevens (Design and Proposal Engineer, Damen), Andrea Trevisan (Sales Manager, Damen), Dott. Alberto Dellepiane (Director, Rimorchiatori Riuniti S.p.A.).
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.
