On 28th August, a keel-laying ceremony was held at DAMEN Shipyards Sharjah. DAMEN is building an ASD Tug 2913 for Saqr Ports, part of Rash Al Khaimah (RAK) Ports.
The keel-laying was attended by, Captain Brand, Group General Manager RAK Ports, Captain Magee, Harbour Master RAK Ports, Pascal Slingerland, DAMEN Sales Manager Middle East and the Albwardy DAMEN management and project teams.
The keel was lowered onto the building blocks by Captain Brand. Following this, both Captain Brand and Captain Magee marked the occasion by breaking a coconut over the keel.
Furthermore, during the event, the 3D engineering model of the vessel was shown to the client. This is a tool used by DAMEN for the design of its vessels and the detailed engineering of all systems on board. The 3D engineering models allows DAMEN to design its vessels in such a way as to optimise the ergonomics for the crew onboard and to ensure accessibility of all systems for easy maintenance during the lifetime of the tug.
Captain Magee commented; ““The experience at the yard reinforced our belief that the decision to build with DAMEN was a wise one. We were able to visit the tug via a 3D CAD presentation and see all aspects of the vesel from the wheelhouse to the bilges.”
General Manager Captain Cliff Brand stated, “Damen have shown great versatility – to be able to produce their first 2319 in the UAE at our request is indeed impressive.“
Damen will deliver the vessel to RAK Ports next year, in time for the opening of a new bulk terminal at Saqr Port. RAK Ports required a tug that was both compact and powerful, in order to handle the large carriers that will call at the port.
Saqr Port is the main bulk-handling port in the Middle East and a vital part of the regional economy.
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 33 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. DAMEN has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 180 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept DAMEN is able to guarantee consistent quality.
Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance. Furthermore, DAMEN vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.
Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.
For nearly all vessel types DAMEN offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. DAMEN also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion (DSC) has a worldwide network of sixteen repair and conversion yards of which twelve are located in North West Europe. Facilities at the yards include more than 50 floating and (covered) drydocks, the largest of which is 420 x 90 metres, as well as slopes, ship lifts and indoor halls. Projects range from the smallest simple repairs through Class’ maintenance to complex refits and the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,350 repair and maintenance jobs annually, both at yards as well as in ports and during voyage.