The Netherlands: Damen Kicks Off Construction of 14 ASD Tugs for KOC

A symbolic keel-laying ceremony on the 17th of April 2013 in Gorinchem, The Netherlands, officially launched the construction phase of 14 Damen ASD Tugs for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The series consist of two types, being 9 tugs of Damen’s recently launched 3212 model and 5 units of the well-known 2810 design, with 80 and 50 tons of bollard pull respectively.

At the festive launching ceremony Damen was very pleased to host a delegation of Kuwait Oil Company. The two company-logos were welded together as a palpable symbol for the substantial project and the companies’ longstanding relation. The object will hold a place of honour in Damen’s Romania-based Galati shipyard during the construction period. All 14 units will be build there starting shortly, with deliveries scheduled from 2014 onwards.

 Damen’s naval architects and designers in The Netherlands have tailored KOC’s exacting requirements on layout, systems and performances. Existing Damen designs have been masterfully combined with state-of-the-art technology and dedicated features. The new tugs will be assisting tankers at near-shore loading terminals and at single point moorings further offshore. All ships will be equipped with a powerful fire fighting system for immediate and adequate action in case of emergency.

The cooperation between KOC and Damen dates back to the late 1980’s, when Damen delivered its first set of ships to KOC. In the 1990’s, Damen delivered a complete new fleet of tugs, crew tenders, work boats and mooring boats to KOC. This latest order, together with the on-going trust KOC puts in a wide range of Damen Services, emphasises the strong relationship of the companies.

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Damen, May 16, 2013