In keeping with the deal signed in May this year, Damen Shipyards has laid the keel of a tug newbuilding that will provide marine support to a new bulk terminal being built in the Middle East. The azimuthing stern drive tug will be built at Damen Shipyards Sharjah for Saqr Port, part of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Ports.
The newbuilding is of an ASD Tug 2913 design, optimised using 3D engineering and computer modelling. Damen said it designed this vessel to optimise the ergonomics for the crew and to ensure accessibility of all systems for easy maintenance during the lifetime of the tug.
The keel-laying was attended by Captain Brand, group general manager RAK Ports; Captain Magee, Harbour Master RAK Ports; Pascal Slingerland, Damen sales manager Middle East; and the Albwardy Damen management and project teams.
Damen expects the tug to be delivered to RAK Ports next year in time for the opening of a new bulk terminal at Saqr Port. It has been designed to handle the large carriers that will call at the port. The ASD 2913 tug will have a bollard pull of around 80 tonnes.
Saqr Port is the main bulk-handling port in the Middle East, and a vital part of the regional economy.