New compact tug will be eighth Damen vessel to operate in Polish company’s fleet
On 12 September, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with WUZ Port and Maritime for an ASD Tug 2111. The vessel will be the eighth Damen tug operated by the Polish towage company. In recent years, WUZ has expanded its fleet in response to the development of the Port of Gdansk.
The latest tug is currently being constructed at Damen Shipyards Changde in China in preparation for delivery next year. The ASD Tug 2111 will be one of the most compact vessels in the WUZ fleet. Its 21 metre length makes the tug the perfect solution to operate in the confined spaces of the Port of Gdansk’s Inner Harbour.
Compact for the modern port operation
Despite its compact nature, the ASD Tug 2111 offers up to 50 tonnes of bollard pull. The vessel is the latest addition to Damen’s Compact Tugs range. The design combines proven technology with innovation to provide the safety, sustainability, reliability and efficiency demanded by the modern port operation.
To meet the needs of its clients, Damen is able to tailor the standard design of its tugs. For WUZ, Damen is preparing the ASD Tug 2111 with a winterization package, FiFi 1 fire-fighting capabilities and other modifications to enable it to operate in the Port of Gdansk’s LNG terminal.
Growing fleet of Damen tugs
The port has been expanding in recent years. To support this, WUZ has invested in a range of new tugs, including a significant number of Damen vessels.
The vessels joined other Damen tug types in the company’s fleet, as Marek Wengrzyn, Chairman of WUZ explains.
Comprehensive towage solutions
“We value the long-standing relationship we have with Damen. Over the last years, the diversity of the Damen portfolio of tugs has given considerable support to our fleet expansion. The range of vessels we are now operating provides us with the versatility to offer a comprehensive towage service within the port.”
Justin Rietveld, Damen Sales Manager East and South East Europe, says, “We were very pleased to receive this latest order for an ASD Tug 2111 from WUZ. It underscores the level of trust and cooperation that exists between our two companies. I’m forward looking to continuing to develop our mutually beneficial relationship during the construction of these tugs and into the future.”