Svitzer has taken delivery of two Damen ASD Tugs 3212 in the UK. The initial contract was signed at the Tugnology 2015 event, which took place in London in May.

The vessels were built for stock at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam and arrived in Rotterdam in late October as part of a 22-vessel consignment on board BigLift Shipping’s heavy-lift vessel,Happy Star.

Named the Svitzer Deben and Svitzer Kent respectively, the 32-metre vessels deliver 80 tonnes of bollard pull and are equipped with 2.8 metre controllable pitch propellers (CPP) and special render recovery winches. Kent has also been equipped with FiFi1 fire-fighting capabilities while the Deben has an aft winch. Both vessels will be used for general towage and escort duties in the ports of London (Gravesend) and Felixstowe respectively. Commissioning took place at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and the vessels were delivered on time in early November, less than six months after the order was placed.

These ASD Tugs 3212 are ideal for handling large vessels. Aside from their size and design, the combination of CPP and the render recovery winches ensures smooth, superior manoeuvrability and excellent control of the very large vessels that enter and leave these ports.

Svitzernow operates three ASD Tugs 3212 in the UK, and nineteen Damen ASD Tugs of various types across the UK as a whole.

“Svitzer were extremely pleased with the cooperation and technical support from Damen. They have managed to seamlessly deliver a state-of-the art product on time. We look forward to continued partnership with Damen in future,”said Deniz True, Chief Operating Officer, Svitzer Europe.