Introducing Damen’s ASD Tug 2111

News that Port Marlborough New Zealand (PMNZ) has ordered an ASD Tug 2111 from Damen Shipyards along with publication of the model’s product sheet allows a detailed first look at this new arrival, the smallest of its ASD tug range.

“Times are changing. Ships are getting larger, while ports and infrastructure remains the same.”

A simple statement from Damen accompanying its relatively new range of ASD tugs. Equally eloquently and with effective brevity that describes its solution, the Dutch shipbuilder adds: “With optimised towing positions and compactness, they are able to manoeuvre in the tightest of spaces.”

Damen’s current range of ASD tugs cover lengths of 21m to 32m offering between 53tbp and 83tbp, the smaller ASD Tug 2111 also available in a fully electric version. The RSD 2513 (Reversed Stern Drive) model can perhaps also be included here, now a well-established and popular choice also available in a fully electric variant (RSD-E Tug 2513). In 2022 another New Zealand customer, Ports of Auckland Authority, took delivery of Sparky, Damen’s first all-electric tug of this class.

Differences in the series extend below as well as above the waterline, the two smallest of the range, the ASD 2111 and 2312 (and the RSD 2513) featuring Damen’s patented Twin Fin forward, described as “ensuring outstanding course keeping and predictable sailing behaviour during both free sailing to bow to bow operations”.

A stand-out feature with the 2111 and 2312 variants is where the towing winch is in a more midships, sheltered position below the wheelhouse, providing a towing connection over either bow or stern, the towline leading over or underneath the winch drum depending on the towing configuration.

Damen clearly anticipates interest in this powerful yet compact vessel, with five more currently in build at its Changde facility in China.

New Zealand order

Returning to the PMNZ order, the new tug will boost towage capacity in Picton Harbour, from where inter-island passenger and freight ferries operate with new ships soon to be introduced in a situation that Damen’s statement fits naturally – bigger ships in smaller spaces including PMNZ’s finger jetties.

Headline features of the new tug include a high freeboard, keeping water on deck to a minimum; ample tumblehome allowing safe operations close to assisted vessels; 360^o bridge maximising situational awareness; and finally decks free of obstacles thanks to the enclosed towing winch.

Turning now to Damen’s product sheet for the ASD Tug 2111 in general, basic functions include towing and mooring with optional escort and oil pollution control and firefighting operation capabilities. It has an LOA of 21.02m, beam overall 11.13m and draught aft approximately 4.90m. Tank capacities include fuel oil 32.5m³ and fresh water 6.8m³.

The engines are IMO Tier II compliant as standard but PMNZ has chosen an upgrade to meet the higher Tier III standard, achieved by fitting Damen’s optional Emission Reduction System, for which the ASD Tug 2111 is built pre-prepared.

Two main engine options are listed, Caterpillar 3512C models (2,760kW/3,702bhp in total at 1,600rpm) or Yanmar 12AYM (2,680kW/3,644bhp in total at 1,940rpm), both options powering Kongsberg US165S azimuth thrusters. A Caterpillar harbour generator is also included.

‘Green’ technologies include a new electric power generation system producing electricity by “drawing on the ample power available from the main engines”, reducing fuel consumption and emissions as a result.

Along with the usual auxiliary equipment, options include bilge water separator, sewage treatment plant, central heating system, oil pollution control, and fifi pump with single or twin water/foam mixture monitors.

The all-important performance figures include 50tbp and 46.9tbp ahead and 45tbp and 44.1tbp astern for the Caterpillar and Yanmar installations respectively with a speed of 10.7kn for both options.

The main towing winch is a hydraulically driven double drum model providing 15 ton pull and 150 ton brake load with an electrically-driven anchor winch included forward. Optional deck items include hydraulic towing pins, aft and foredeck capstan, aft towing hook and Heila HLM 10-3S deck crane. The usual extensive fendering is included as standard.

Nautical and communications equipment is, as common with modern tugs, extensive, mainly featuring installations from Furuno. Again Damen offers optional ‘extras’ to suit customers specific requirements including ECDIS, SSB, Inmarsat installation and Voyage Data Recorder.

Air-conditioned accommodation for six persons together with a galley/mess is provided at accommodation deck level, the facilities completely insulated and finished with durable modern linings and acoustical ceiling and floating floor in the wheelhouse.