Damen Shipyards Group has won class and flag state approval for its 90-tonne bollard pull ASD Tug 2713 Fuel Flexible to operate on methanol fuel, according to Damen.
The approval was issued by Bureau Veritas and the Kingdom of the Netherlands flag state, giving Damen regulatory clearance for a methanol-ready harbour and coastal tug design.
The ASD Tug 2713 FF measures 27.25 metres by 12.83 metres and is designed for LNG terminal support, ship handling and berthing, escort work, oil pollution control and firefighting.
Damen said the tug can operate on diesel and 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil. It is also delivered with methanol tanks and reserved space for propulsion equipment required for a future conversion to methanol or hybrid-electric operation.
The company said the approval was required because existing class rules for methanol systems were largely developed for larger vessels such as chemical tankers, rather than compact vessels such as tugs.
Damen worked with Bureau Veritas and the Dutch flag state through a risk-based process that included a comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation measures.
The tug has a speed of 12.9 knots, gross tonnage of 397 tonnes and accommodation for up to 10 people. Damen is developing a Fuel Flexible tug range covering 25-metre, 27-metre and 33-metre designs prepared for diesel, HVO, methanol or hybrid-electric configurations.
Damen Shipyards Group is a Netherlands-based family-owned shipbuilding group active in shipbuilding, ship repair and maritime services. Its portfolio includes tugs, workboats, dredgers, offshore vessels, ferries and naval vessels.
Bureau Veritas is a French classification society and testing, inspection and certification group. In shipping, it provides classification, certification and technical assurance services for vessels and marine equipment.