Damen starts work on new vessel

sharjah — Shipbuilding and repair company, Damen Shipyards, is building an ASD Tug 2913 for Saqr Ports, part of Ras Al Khaimah Ports.

Damen will deliver the vessel to RAK Ports next year, in time for the opening of a new bulk terminal at Saqr Port. RAK Ports required a tug that was both compact and powerful, in order to handle the large carriers that will call at the port. Saqr Port is the main bulk-handling port in the Middle East and a vital part of the regional economy.

The keel-laying was recently held at Damen Shipyards Sharjah, and was attended by Captain Brand, group general manager RAK Ports, Captain Magee, harbour master RAK Ports, Pascal Slingerland, and Damen sales manager Middle East, as well as several management and project teams.

The keel was lowered onto the building blocks by Captain Brand. Following this, both Captain Brand and Captain Magee marked the occasion by breaking a coconut over the keel. During the event, the 3D engineering model of the vessel was also shown to the client.

“The experience at the yard reinforced our belief that the decision to build with Damen was a wise one. We were able to visit the tug via a 3D CAD presentation and see all aspects of the vesel from the wheelhouse to the bilges,” said Captain Magee. “Damen have shown great versatility – to be able to produce their first 2319 in the UAE at our request is indeed impressive,” Captain Cliff Brand stated.

— business@khaleejtimes.com