New Damen ASD 2312 for Europe fleet renewal

Svitzer has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards Group for a new ASD tug 2312.

Svitzer is investing in a new, modern tug to support the continued growth of our operations and customers in Europe, with the vessel currently allocated to the Port of Bristol, subject to future growth opportunities in the region.

The Damen ASD Tug 2312 is scheduled for delivery in late 2026 and will be the first vessel of its type deployed by Svitzer in Bristol. It will perform a range of harbour towage operations, strengthening the capability and flexibility of our local fleet.

The compact 23-metre tug delivers 70 tonnes of bollard pull, combined with the manoeuvrability needed to operate effectively within confined harbour environments. Its design includes an unobstructed working deck, a covered towing winch for operations over both the bow and stern, and accommodation for a crew of six.

The tug will also meet IMO Tier III emissions requirements through Damen’s class-approved NOx Reduction System. This technology reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 80% compared with IMO Tier II requirements.

A modular FiFi-1 system will be integrated during construction, providing external firefighting capability of between 1,200 and 2,400 cubic metres of water per hour, depending on the final pump configuration.

The 23-metre ASD tug has a beam of 12 metres and a draught of 5.4 metres and is build under Damen’s speculative stock-building strategy of standardised designs for customers.

Propulsion is provided by two Caterpillar 3512TA engines, delivering a combined output of 5,102 hp. Two 2.8-metre azimuth stern drive propellers and the patented Twin Fin arrangement provide exceptional manoeuvrability.

Rutger Thulin, Chief Commercial Officer for Svitzer Europe, said the contract reflected Svitzer’s ongoing investment in new assets and fleet renewal and would help Svitzer support the port’s future development and growth.

“At Svitzer, our job is to provide safe, reliable marine services that our customers can depend on every day. Investing in new tugs like this Damen ASD Tug 2312 helps us continue delivering exactly that. We also aim to help our customers grow and run an efficient port operation. Bristol Port Company has delivered significant growth, and with this new modern tug, we will have the capability and flexibility to support continued growth as the company’s needs evolve.” – Rutger Thulin, Svitzer Europe CCO