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70 VESSEL FOCUS | ASD TUG 2813 71
THE NEXT-GENERATION

ASD TUG 2813 “THE ASD TUG 2813

HAS BEEN DESIGNED THROUGHOUT
FOR THE BEST USE OF SPACE. THIS
CONTRIBUTES EFFECTIVELY TO
THE GOALS OF BOTH SAFETY AND
EFFICIENCY.

WHEN ASKED WHAT DROVE DAMEN TO COME a tug might sound an unremarkable step, but doing so took the the one thruster, and the freeboard has been well thought-out with we are currently developing electronic stability protection for
UP WITH THE NEW ASD TUG 2813, DESIGN design below the critical 400 GRT threshold, without making any the tumblehome up to 40 degrees.” the entire range. This will clearly alert the crew when a vessel
AND PROPOSAL MANAGER ERIK VAN SCHAIK concessions on functionality or capability. is approaching its stability limits during operations so that they
GIVES A STRAIGHTFORWARD ANSWER: “SAFETY, “The wheelhouse, which is also very compact, has been designed can take timely action.” The vessel, like all in Damen’s next-
RELIABILITY AND EFFICIENCY”. SAFE SAILING to provide maximum visibility. Large, tinted windows provide a generation range of tugs, is prepared for the more rigorous stability
Some of the results of creating a shorter tug might, initially at least, complete, unobstructed view fore and aft, while sky windows give regulations that are coming into force next year, and it boasts
seem surprising. “In fact,” says Erik, “despite being shorter, as an optimal view of the assisted vessel. With the wheelhouse leaning numerous other features that make it easier to operate, allowing for
“To elaborate, there are two markets for 80-tonne bollard pull
multipurpose ASD tugs; those over 30 metres and those under. The the hull form of the ASD Tug 2813 features less tapering and less inward, it makes the ASD Tug 2813 ideal for working under the flare a greater focus and further increasing safety.
vessels over 30 metres typically spend most of their time offshore beam amidships, the new design actually increases stability!” The of a container vessel.”
where their length is needed to ensure good seakeeping behaviour hull form of the vessel forms a key part of the ASD Tug’s enhanced “The user interface has been evolving continuously since it was first
in heavy seas. For this market, we offer the Damen ASD Tug 3212. safety characteristics in general. For example, its smooth, rounded The glass used in these windows is the patented Damen Safety unveiled last year on the RSD Tug 2513,” says Erik. “We received
shape allows the water to flow effortlessly around the hull. This Glass. This glass is laminated and shatterproof, and so gives a lot of helpful feedback about it, which we have consolidated
results in a continual, predictable availability of thrust. protection to those inside in the event of a towing line snapping. and taken on board to deliver version 2.0.” The interface is
“However, if your tugs are operating most of the time in locks and
harbours you need something that, while maintaining sufficient It meets the NEN-EN 356 standard for glass used in buildings, ergonomically designed with user-friendly consoles, operating
propulsion power, is more compact and manoeuvrable. In the “The freeboard’s 1.6-metre height gives the foredeck three metres defined as ‘resistance against manual attack’. The test for this panels with controls, monitoring and alarm functionality as well
past we supported this sector with the ASD Tug 2913, but with clearance from the water under load, ensuring that it remains dry involves dropping a ball weighing 4.11 kilogrammes three times on as nautical information, main engine data feeds, and winch and
the increasing size of container ships we needed to be able to in most conditions, continues Erik. The shape of the aft deck also to the surface of a window from a height of 6 metres. auxiliary controls. All the data is presented in an easy to access
offer operators a vessel with the necessary power but which was avoids the collection of water, which keeps things dry astern as manner, with the user able to select relevant information to be
also more competitive. Shaving a single metre off the length of well,” explains Erik. “Also contributing to the safety is the large “Safety is always a focus on Damen vessels and is only going to displayed as required.
single skeg. This makes the steering easy and stable, even with just increase in importance as our tugs continue to evolve. For example,