Designated the ASD Tug 3213, the new tug is intended for tanker handling and escort operations in exposed locations. The hull form has been derived from work carried out in conjunction with the ‘Marin’ joint industry ‘SAFETUG’ project. The vessel has the same 32m overall length as the existing Damen ASD 3211 but will have an impressive 13.29m beam. Considerable effort has been made to enhance stability by increasing the beam and reducing height.

Damen will use the new Caterpillar C175 16V/C engine to power the ASD 3213, along with Rolls-Royce US 285 propulsion units embodying 3m diameter fixed pitch propellers. Two such engines will generate a total of 6,920 bhp to give the new tug an estimated bollard pull ahead of 82.5 tons and 75 tons astern, with a maximum speed of 12.5 knots. A heavy duty towing winch with a brake holding load of 250 tons and two independent drums will be fitted on the foredeck. A range of customer options will be offered, including a towing winch aft and a full FiFi 1 fire fighting system.

Of the twelve ASD 3213 tugs under construction, four are to be completed for Smit International and four for Groupe Bourbon. The remaining four will be constructed for ‘stock’ but Damen is confident that these will be sold before completion.