Damen Shipyards reveal new tug design

The ASD tug 3212 is the result of three years of research and represents a milestone in ASD tug design. The tug includes a completely revised hull form and a higher bow which results in better speed and a dry foredeck. It has a maximum bollard pull of 85 tonnes, sails at 14.5 knots and has been tested to operate in three metre wave height.

Mr Coen Boudesteijn, Damen product director tugs, explained: “Damen has developed this completely new tug generation within the 85 tonne bollard pull range to fit in with market developments. Many projects for tug operators are now in more open and challenging waters, such as those off Northern Australia, so there is a need to be able to cope with higher wave heights and for more powerful tugs, given the increasing size of tankers and container vessels.”

Additionally, the Damen ASD tug 3212 was built to comply with all of the latest IMO and MLC 2006 crew and comfort regulations as a result of its relatively low wheelhouse, slope frames and bilge keels, guaranteeing low accelerations.