Damen seals deal for the Middle East’s first electric tug

The vessel, an RSD-E Tug 2513 from Damen’s catalogue, is a fully electric variant of the standard version of this increasingly popular “Reversed Stern Drive” tug, of which more than 30 have been delivered.

Damen clearly has faith that the electric version of this design will attract customers and following the successful delivery of Sparky for Port of Auckland in 2022, an initial series production of six vessels was started on speculation. This first example, for SAFEEN Group, has departed from Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam for Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, where it will join other tugs in SAFEEN’s fleet.

Damen says the 25m, 70tbp tug is “capable of manoeuvring even the largest vessels” and can undertake two or more assignments before being recharged, which takes just two hours.

A feature of the shipyard’s overall package to assist clients with their investments is its financing facilities and Damen Financial Services (DFS), a subsidiary of Damen Shipyards, is providing a leasing package to support the purchase.

The service enables owners to finance their transition to a more sustainable future and DFS recently acquired a second RSD-E Tug 2513, which is now available on a lease-to-own basis.

The contract for the new vessel was signed in Abu Dhabi by SAFEEN’s CEO Marine Services and general manager Capt. Adil Banihammad and Kommer Damen, chairman, Damen Shipyards.

The tug is being unveiled to the towage community at the International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards in Dubai, after which it will commence operations in Khalifa Port handling container ships, car carriers and other vessels.

Initially it will operate in hybrid mode with Tier III compliant generators charging the batteries until shore-based charging facilities are established.

“We are delighted to be working with SAFEEN Group as they once again lead the way in setting new standards in sustainability in the Middle Eastern maritime community,” says Pascal Slingerland, Damen Shipyards regional sales director, Middle East.