Tug Malta christens its second Damen RSD Tug 2513

The vessel is intended for operation at Malta’s Port of Marsaxlokk for Tug Malta, now under the ownership of the MedTug Group, in turn part of shipping giant MSC.

The contract for the 80tbp Med Aldebaran was signed in March 2024 and following completion at Damen’s Song Cam shipyard, sailed under its own power to Malta via the Cape of Good Hope.

Damen’s Vietnam facility is responsible for most of the 30 plus RSD Tug 2513s either delivered or listed with a slot in the shipyard’s busy schedule, the facility also with a growing list of the all-electric variant of the RSD Tug 2513 gathering references.

Specifications

The Reversed Stern Drive tug is described as both compact and manoeuvrable “combining elements of ASD and tractor tugs to deliver an ‘aways bow first’ approach to towage” and is proving to be a popular choice for ports handling large ships (see MJ 18.04.19).

As standard with Damen’s range, Med Aldebaran starts with a basic specification but with options to enhance the vessel depending on the customer’s specific requirements, along with any preferences for the region and port in which it will operate. Two options of note with Tug Malta’s choice are aimed at reducing emissions and increasing efficiency.

Med Aldebaran has been fitted with a Damen Marine NO_x Reduction System, which includes a selective catalytic reduction system ensuring compliance with IMO Tier III requirements, Damen saying: “The lower NO_X and noise emissions that result help the vessel contribute to a healthier, more sustainable maritime sector.”

Rapid advances in technology and connectivity have not passed unnoticed in the maritime sector and Tug Malta’s new vessel features Damen’s Triton ‘Internet of Things’ solution, which collects and analyses data gathered from sensors around the vessel, providing the crew with information to enable sailing in the most optimal fashion. Med Aldebaran also has fifi1 firefighting capability.

Diverse fleet

Tug Malta’s published fleet list comprises eight vessels and apart from its first RSD Tug 2513, in 2020 Senglea delivered five ASD-configured vessels, three from the ways of Damen Shipyards Group and two Robert Allan-designed examples built by Turkey’s Med Marine and Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Zamakona.

Tug Malta’s fleet also includes the 55tbp tractor tug Sea Salvor built in Italy in 1998 and the small Med Marine-built conventional single-screw 10tbp tug Gozzo. The MedTug Group itself operates more than 160 tugs in more than 20 major international ports.

Noting that Med Aldebaran is its first IMO Tier III configured tug, Giacomo Gavarone, international managing director of MedTug said: “This tug is without any doubt the top technology in its category, as far as performance, safety and security are concerned. This represents an important first step for the reduction in the emissions of our fleet according to our commitment to a better world, and to helping achieve the government’s vision for carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Maltese prime minister Robert Abela emphasised the critical need for Malta to develop a fully integrated maritime hub and highlighted that investment in the tug aligns seamlessly with Malta’s bold vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

“The Grand Harbour boasts prime sites with immense potential, and it is crucial that we take decisive action to transform these areas,” said Abela. “By strengthening infrastructure, attracting investment, and fostering opportunities for services of all sizes, we can unlock this potential and drive sustainable economic growth.”

Speaking at the naming ceremony, Damen’s Antonio Marte said: “I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to Tug Malta and MedTug for their firm trust in Damen. It is a privilege to stand here today, as we celebrate the delivery and naming of Med Aldebaran – a vessel embodying innovation, sustainability, and partnership.

“The vessel continues a legacy of trust and collaboration between our companies. As such, it symbolises not only a new addition to Tug Malta’s already impressive fleet, but a shared vision of excellence in maritime operations.”