Damen active on three continents

SAAM S.A. is based in Chile and offers towage, logistics and port services in South, Central and North America and with a fleet of nearly 200 vessels at its disposal has a significant presence in the Americas. It has particular connections with the Netherlands including a joint venture with Dutch towage provider Smit and the fact that SAAM has been a regular customer of Damen in the past.

SAAM has now ordered two ASD Tug 2411s and as is common with Damen’s sales activities, the short delivery time was a factor in their selection for the order. SAAM’s representatives flew to Damen’s shipyard in Vietnam where the vessels had been built and were in stock awaiting a customer. Following an inspection the contract was signed the next day for delivery just three months later including modifications to suit the client’s requirements.

A combination of high build quality and flexibility were important in sealing the deal which also includes transport from Vietnam on a heavy lift vessel and additional services including crew training in Chile. They will be employed in harbour towage operations in the country.

DELIVERIES
It is around 8,500km from Chile to South Africa where the South African Navy has now taken delivery of second of two Damen ATD Tug 2909 tugs named Inyathi. Delivery follows on from the first, Imvubu delivered in July 2015 (see MJ September 2015).

Inyathi was built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) and along with its earlier fleet-mate is intended for towing, mooring and fire-fighting operations within the South African Navy’s current and future fleet of vessels in South African ports and coastal waters. The two new tractor tugs join two Stan Tugs delivered by DCST, then known as Farocean Marine in 2006.

Power is provided by two Caterpillar 3512C TA HD/C main engines producing in total 3,000bkW (4,032bhp) at 1,600rpm in turn driving two Rolls-Royce US205 CP azimuth thrusters incorporating ‘built-in’ clutches. Caterpillar also supplied two gensets in the form of C4.4 TA 380V, 107kVA models. Kraaijeveld supplied a hydraulically driven double-drum towing winch aft of 100t brake load along with a hydraulic anchor winch forward. Deck machinery also includes a Palfinger PK 11001M hydraulically driven crane adjacent to the towing winch and a 65t Mampaey hook. Accommodation is provided for eight persons in two single and three double cabins.

The second delivery to report is the ASD Tug 3010 ICE Ural completed recently for JSC Vostochny Port Russia. This Ice class ASD tug follows delivery last year of two similar vessels Hector and Hercules for the Swedish Navy. Damen currently have five more examples under construction.

Ural is classed by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping and carries the notations: KM+, Arc4, AUT1, GMDSS A3, Tug including tonnage and loadline certificate. Main dimensions are: LOA 29.84m, beam 10.43m and draught aft 4.83m. Tank capacities include: fuel oil 73.6m3, fresh water 14.1m3 and foam 4.4m3.

Main machinery comprises two Caterpillar 3516C HD TA/B engines developing 3,840bkW (5,150bhp) in total driving Rolls-Royce US255 azimuth thrusters. Performance figures include 60.1tbp (ahead) and speed 13.9kn.

A hydraulic two-speed split drum anchor/towing winch is fitted forward of 35t pull and 150t brake load and a Heila HLM 10-3S crane is fitted aft along with a Mampaey 65t SWL tow hook and a hydraulically driven rope reel carrying 70m of tow line. Accommodation is provided for eight persons in two single and three double cabins.

By Peter Barker