Ancona tug fleet boosted with Damen order

Corima are the largest towage operator in the Adriatic Sea and the 60tbp tug will be deployed at Ancona. The company operate a slightly larger Damen ASD Tug 3110, held in high regard by its owner and they have subsequently been looking for another harbour tug but also one suitable for offshore terminal towage.

The company serves two offshore oil terminals owned by API Refinery and there was a requirement for a tug with good seakeeping behaviour, able to operate in the open sea. The particular design selected was also seen as being ideally suited for compact harbours. The contract signing ceremony took place in January and the new tug is due to be delivered at the end of this year.

An ASD configuration was considered the best option, able to operate bow first at a vessel’s stern and then as a tractor tug at the bow. The vessel will conform to fifi1 standards, fly the Italian flag and replace an existing twin-screw tug. Quick delivery time offered by Damen was a particular attraction for Corima with President and Managing Director Riccardo Vitiello commenting: “We know Damen will completely respect the delivery time.” Adding: “Damen is one of the best yards in the world for tugs and certainly when considering the lifetime of a vessel prices are competitive.”

Andrea Trevisan, Damen Regional Sales Manager commented: “The Damen ASD Tug 2810 is proven in the industry. More than 170 of these compact, powerful tugs are working in ports worldwide. They are known by their captains for their quick acceleration and manoeuvrability. We are sure that Corima will be very satisfied with the tug’s performance in the port of Ancona.”

By Peter Barker