Damen signs four-vessel deal with Toyota Tsusho

Toyota Tsusho has a long history in Angola as part of a Japanese government-funded port development project that started in 2019.

Toyota has exported its cars to Angola since 1966 through Toyota Motors, and this is the Japanese company’s first such project in the African nation. The Namibe container port will be expanded and a new terminal built to allow larger vessels to use the facilities, also diversifying the materials it is able to handle.

Toyota Tsusho frequently collaborates with the Japanese government on infrastructure projects around the world and Damen says the port development project is anticipated to provide wider employment opportunities in Angola, while also providing the country with full independence in import activities, reducing the costs of freight transport and boosting the national economy.

On the shopping list of any new port or expansion project will be adequate shiphandling tug, line-handling and pilot boarding provision and with this order Toyota, a first-time client for Damen, has wrapped up the requirement in one comprehensive package from the same supplier.

Damen can also provide post-delivery back-up from its global support hubs, in particular on the African continent from Nigeria to the north and South Africa to the south, both of which, along with Angola, are on the Atlantic seaboard.

Damen’s practice of producing series-built vessels for stock and subsequent speed of delivery is quoted as being a factor in securing the order, which will comprise two ASD Tugs 2813, a Pushy Cat 1004 and a Stan Pilot 1905.

Proven designs

The ASD Tug 2813 is a mid-range sized tug in Damen’s portfolio providing a healthy 80+ tonnes bollard pull with around 40 listed as delivered since 2019 and a number in build for stock.

The standard product has a double-drum towing winch forward, the many options available including provision of a towing winch aft. With accommodation for up to 10 persons, the pair for Toyota are currently under construction at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam.

At the opposite end of Damen’s range is the Pushy Cat 1004, which was first produced in 1974. While diminutive in size at just 10m length, this relatively powerful workhorse has proved a popular choice for specific tasks not restricted to pushing duties and the example, part of this order, is currently under construction at Damen Shipyards Antalya, Turkey.

There are three Stan Pilot tenders in Damen’s catalogue of 16m, 19m and 22m in length and Toyota’s choice is the aluminium-hulled Stan Pilot 1905 (the other two in the range are FRP), featuring Damen’s modified Axe Bow.

The Stan Pilot 1905 is 19.3m LOA on a beam of 4.8m and draught 1.1m and seating is included for 10 persons including two crew. Tank capacities include 3.6m³ fuel oil.

Twin Volvo/MAN main engines produce up to 1,324bkW drive Hamilton HJ 364 waterjets via ZF gearboxes delivering a speed of up to 30kn and range, at maximum speed up to 320nm. A 9.5ekW genset is included and all four vessels in this order are due for delivery in Q1 2025.

“The port development project enables an increase in vessel traffic in Namibe,” said Hiroumi Ohara, general manager Africa Power & Infrastructure Department of Toyota Tsusho.

“To facilitate this, the port requires a number of new, high-quality workboats. We approached Damen, being aware of the company’s reputation for the fast delivery of proven, high-performing vessels. We are looking forward to cooperating with Damen during the construction of these new vessels, which will play an important role in giving a boost to the Angolan economy in the coming years.”

“Working with a new client for the first time is always a proud moment,” said Thomas Röwekamp, Regional Sales director Asia Pacific. “Given the nature of this contract, which holds significant potential for Angola, we are particularly pleased to have been selected by Toyota Tsusho. We are looking forward to cooperating on the delivery of these four vessels, and to building a close relationship for the long-term.”