Italian tug operator Rimorchiatori Riuniti has ordered two ASD 2913 tugs from Damen Shipyards.

Due for construction at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania, with delivery in 2016 and 2017, the compact, manoeuvrable ASD 2913 tugs are designed for agility and durability with extra plate thickness, brackets and fendering as well as 80 tons of bollard pull.

The vessels, which will be the fourth and fifth Damen tugs to be delivered to Rimorchiatori Riuniti, also feature custom functionality specified by the operator, including Firefighting 1 and escort notations, oil recovery and an aft winch. The vessel can also accommodate up to 10 crew members.

“We appreciate the important in-house experience and the involvement of management, technical and operations staff of Rimorchiatori Riuniti throughout the project,” said Damen regional sales manager for Italy Andrea Trevisan. “They had some specific requirements which have been taken into account in the design of the two tugs, including additional Fresh Water and Fuel Oil capacity. It is what we call at Damen ‘smart-customisation’.

“Damen is able to guarantee the quality of its designs – and indeed the final product – thanks to our practice of standardisation,” Trevisan continued. “It means that we are able to deliver proven technology to the client every time.

“This order for Rimorchiatori Riuniti concludes a positive year for Damen in Italy; a total of five contracts have been awarded in the country and all for standard Damen vessels. This demonstrates how Damen seriously takes into account the requirements asked by the Italian Market.”