Damen’s Russian and Baltic connections

The Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RMRS) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Damen for the building (for stock) of four ASD Tug 2609 ICE class vessels to RMRS rules. Signing of the MOU was reported at the 13^th International Maritime Exhibition and Conferences of Russia at St Petersburg with construction of the four vessels divided between Damen’s facilities in China and Romania.

Collaboration between RMRS and Damen is not new, both parties having worked closely since 1999. Currently over 60 vessels have been built by Damen to RMRS class rules. Fifteen are currently under construction in Russian and overseas yards including ASD Tug 3010 ICE, ASD Tug 2810 ICE and ASD Tug 2609 ICE designs along with dredging vessels.

Damen are known for their build-for-stock approach and these four additions will no doubt pass to new owners in time, perhaps finding an interest in the region thanks to their ICE class. The point to note is that now, vessels for example bound for the Russian market will be built directly to RS class.

AND ONE FOR LITHUANIA
Still in the region, Damen recently delivered an ASD Tug 2810 ICE to Klasco Towage Assistance, an affiliate of Klaipeda Stevedoring Company (KLASCO). Classed by RMRS, Klasco-3 is the company’s first Damen built tug although they do charter a Damen 3110 from Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.

ICE class (Arc4) notation is specified because, while Klaipeda is ice free all year round, floating ice can come down river with air temperatures reaching -25’C. Additional cold weather protection includes: extra insulation to engine room decks and sides and azimuth thrusters room; heated windows; thermal insulation of the accommodation and suitable heating.

Klasco-3 meets RMRS notation KM* Arc4 AUT1 ESCORT TUG FF3WS and flies the Lithuanian flag. Main dimensions include: LOA 28.67m, beam OA 10.43m, draught aft 4.99m and displacement 604 ton. Fuel oil capacity is 85.3m3 and fresh water 14.9m3.

Power is provided by two Caterpillar 3516C HD TA/C engines producing in total 3,730bkW (5,000bhp) driving Rolls-Royce US 255 azimuth thrusters with 2,400mm diameter propellers. Performance figures are 58.7tbp ahead and speed 13.5kn. A 1,400m3/hr capacity diesel driven pump delivers water/foam to two 600m3/hr fire monitors.

Deck machinery includes hydraulic two-speed towing winches on the fore and aftdeck, the former having a split-drum, warping head and provision for anchor lifting. The latter has a spooling device and both winches have 35ton pull and 150 ton brake load. A Heila HLM 10-3S deck crane is fitted aft and accommodation on Klasco-3 is provided for seven persons in five cabins.

By Peter Barker