Damen ASD Tug 2913 for new deep-water bulk terminal at Saqr Port launched by Albwardy Damen, UAE
The new ASD Tug 2913 for Saqr Port, part of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Ports, has been launched at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in Sharjah, UAE, the company said in its press release. Ordered twelve months ago, the tug will join the RAK Ports tug fleet and operate in the new and impressive deep-water bulk terminal currently nearing completion at the port. There its 80-tonnes of bollard pull will provide additional power for manoeuvring Capesize vessels.
The tug was launched in the presence of Capt. Cliff Brand, the Chief Executive Officer of RAK Ports, and Capt. Michael Magee, the Harbour Master of RAK Ports. Capt Brand highlighted in his speech the importance for the UAE economy to build “in the UAE for the UAE” and the added value of having the building yard around the corner for support during the life time of the vessel.
Capt. Magee commented that this tug is an important addition to the fleet for the safe operation of Capesize vessels at the new terminal, and added that he is impressed with the adaptability of Damen, the high quality of build and level of service.
Saqr Port is the major bulk-handing port in the Middle East and a vital part of the regional economy. Located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, it serves the fast-growing quarry industry in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, from where each year 55 million tonnes of bulk materials are exported through the port to countries around the Arabian Gulf.
The ASD Tug 2913 was selected for the new terminal based on its twin attributes of being both compact and powerful. These will allow it to handle the large carriers using the new terminal within the restricted waters of the harbour. The proximity of the Hajar Mountains also brings challenges in the form of powerful winds that can sweep across the port with little or no warning. In addition to its power, the 29-metre ASD Tug 2913 also features high freeboard and a raised quarterdeck for safe operations in rough seas.
RAK Ports is a long-standing customer of the Damen Shipyards Group. Its seven-strong fleet is comprised of a Damen ASD Tug 2411, a Damen ASD Tug 2310 and five Damen Stan Tugs.
The ASD Tug 2913 tug for RAK Ports is the first of a series ASD Tugs 2913 under construction at Albwardy Damen in the UAE. Consistent with the Damen philosophy, another three tugs of this type and a series of 60 and 70 tonne ASD Tugs are being built for stock. The stock construction enables the yard to offer well-proven vessels at very short notice to operators across the region and beyond. With the convenient location of Albwardy Damen, RAK Ports and all Damen clients can depend on a fast and efficient maintenance and repair service in the Arabian Gulf and its surrounding waters.
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 34 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 10,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 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 eighteen 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 1,300 repair and maintenance jobs annually, both at yards as well as in ports and during voyages.
