An artist Impression of an ASD 2810
First new vessel for southern Italy venture
Rimorchiatori Augusta and Damen Shipyards Group have recently signed a contract for an ASD 2810 tug for operations in the Sicilian port of Augusta. Rimorchiatori Augusta is a new venture for the Rimorchiatori Riuniti group and this will be the first new vessel for the company, demonstrating its commitment to future operations in the port.
Rimorchiatori Augusta was formed following the purchase by Rimorchiatori Riuniti of Augustea Imprese Marittime and Salvataggi S.p.A. together with its fleet of 16 vessels. The company provides towage services in Augusta, Siracusa Santa Panagia, Catania and Pozzallo. The ASD Tug 2810 is its first purchase since the deal was announced, and it will operate in and around the port of Augusta. As well as managing regular cargo and passenger traffic, Augusta is one of the Mediterranean’s main oil hubs, serving a number of oil refineries. With 60 tonnes of bollard pull the ASD 2810 will bring a new level of capability. It will also be fitted with FiFi 1 fire-fighting equipment, upgraded towing hooks and have the necessary modifications required to meet Italian flag standards.
One of the factors in winning the contract was Damen’s ability to guarantee a quick delivery. The vessel is already in build at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam and will be handed over to Rimorchiatori Augusta in Italy at the end of this year. The Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group and Damen know each other well; recent orders from the Italian tug operator include a pair of ASD Tugs 2913 and before that an ASD Tug 2411. This latest acquisition will be the sixth Damen vessel to join the Rimorchiatori Riuniti fleet.
From the Contract signing
The ASD 2810 one of the most popular tugs in operation today, with over 200 active around the world. The design is continually updated to take in account customer feedback and improvements in components and technology. Each new vessel is modified to meet the exact needs of the customer.
Dott. Alberto Dellepiane, Director of Rimorchiatori Riuniti S.p.A. commented: “We selected a Damen tug once again based on the quality of its vessels and its ability to deliver the right product at the right time.”
Andrea Trevisan, Damen Sales Manager, said, “We are very honoured by this order and that a Damen tug will be the first vessel in the fleet of Rimorchiatori Augusta. It is also a pleasure to continue to serve Rimorchiatori Riuniti, with whom we enjoy an excellent relationship.”
Damen Shipyards Group
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 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.
In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a worldwide network of 15 repair and conversion yards with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1, 500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
