An artist’s impression of the ASD Tug 2411
Leading Italian tug operator Rimorchiatori Riuniti has ordered a powerful Damen ASD Tug 2411. Reflecting the industry’s move to larger vessels, the new Damen tug, which has a 70-tonne bollard pull will replace a smaller 1990-built, 40-tonne unit. The new vessel will be deployed in Genoa and is expected to arrive by end-July.
Owned by the Delle Piane and Gavarone families, Rimorchiatori Riuniti has been operating its well-known orange tugboats in Genoa since 1922. Although the company has traditionally operated in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the ports of Genoa, Salerno and Malta, Rimorchiatori Riuniti recently extended its presence to the Adriatic.
The company has a 25-strong fleet of harbour tugs, including some earlier Damen tugs. Alberto Dellepiane, Director of Rimorchiatori Riuniti, says the reasons the company chose a Damen vessel was the high quality offered, the reliability and the fact Damen vessels maintain their value.
Andrea Trevisan, Damen Sales Manager Sales Area North, West and South Europe, says: “We are delighted to welcome Rimorchiatori Riuniti again as a customer and look forward to develop a long-term partnership with such an important and respectable owner.”
Fast delivery
“As Damen builds vessels for stock, we could also deliver Rimorchiatori Riuniti’s brand new tug in just over six months”, Mr Trevisan points out. The ASD 2411 Tug for Rimorchiatori Riuniti will be fully compliant with Italian Flag State regulations.
The vessel is a typical example of the ‘Damen standard’, with the Group having sold dozens of this compact, strong tug around the world. “To me, the ASD 2411 is always a good example of the reliable and proven Damen designs”, says Mr Trevisan proudly. “This vessel has been developed to move the world’s largest ships, even though it is a relatively ‘small’ tug.”
Damen Shipyards has a strong link with Italy and a successful track record with several Italian tug owners. “We hope to see even more Damen tugs serving the busy Italian ports in the future!” he adds.
Rimorchiatori Riuniti
Just recently, Rimorchiatori Riuniti acquired 50% in Gesmar, a company that provides towage and related services to the majority of Adriatic ports. Rimorchiatori Riuniti will now be one of the largest operators in Italy but also in the Mediterranean. The stake in Gesmar was acquired from the Ravenna-based Setramar Group, which is controlled by the Poggiali family and the other 50% is held by the Vitiello family.
Through Gesmar, and its alliance with the Vitiello Familiy, Rimorchiatori Riuniti has now extending its tugboat services in the ports of Trieste, Ravenna, Ancona, Pescara, Termoli Vasto and Ortona amongst other Adriatic ports.
Rimorchiatori Riuniti also operates harbour towage in Genova, Salerno and Malta. Additionally, the Group operates in the oil & gas sector through its subsidiary company Finarge, which has a fleet of 10 Anchor Handling Tug Supply units and fast crew suppliers, serving Petrobras’ offshore platforms in Brazil.
Through other group subsidiaries Rimorchiatori Riuniti is also active in international bulk trade shipping operating a number of container, bulk and chemical vessels.
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 40 ship- and repair yards, employing 8, 000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5, 000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers approx. 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 value 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 super yachts.
For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of Services, such as maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. To complete, Damen offers a variety of marine components, especially nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
Damen Shiprepair & Conversion
In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion offers a network of 16 repair & conversion yards worldwide, with dry docks ranging up to 420×80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DS&C handles 1, 500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
