Muller Dordrecht orders Damen ASD tug

Kommer Damen, chairman of the Damen Shipyards Group and Bram Muller, CEO of marine transport specialist Muller Dordrecht, recently signed a contract for the supply of a Damen 3132 azimuth stern drive (ASD) tug.

Damen Shipyards will deliver a new 3132 azimuth stern drive (ASD) tug to Dutch marine transport specialist Muller Dordrecht in May of 2023. (Photo: Damen Shipyards)

Headquartered in Dordrecht in the Netherlands, Muller Dordrecht has a history of providing towage, emergency response and salvage, heavy transport and other services going back for over a century. Its decision to purchase an ASD Tug 3212 was based on both the vessel’s versatility and capability, and Damen’s ability to deliver it in a relatively short time.

With 83 tonnes of bollard pull, the 32 m Damen ASD Tug 3212 has demonstrated its capability to operate effectively, both in harbor and when undertaking offshore towage of large structures.

The vessel is powered by two Caterpillar 3516C TA HD diesel engines that deliver a total output of 5050 bkW (6772 bhp) at 1800 rpm. The engines drive a pair of Kongsberg Maritime US 255 P30 FP azimuth thrusters with 3000 mm diameter propellers.

Auxiliary power is provided by twin Caterpillar C4.4 generator sets rated 107 kVA at 50 Hz.

The vessel is highly maneuverable with strong seakeeping capabilities, Damen said, and the class also comes with a wide range of options to equip them for specific roles. Muller Dordrecht has opted for almost all of them, including the IMO Tier III aftertreatment system for low NOx emissions, a large aft deck winch together with an open stern, hydraulic towline guide pins, a deck crane and a support boat. A winterization package for operations in high latitudes has also been specified, which includes additional insulation, heated windows and GMDSS A3 rated communications.

Despite the requirement to install all these additional features, Damen said it will deliver the tug in nine months. This is achievable due to Damen’s long-established policy of building certain popular models in anticipation of future sales, based on market intelligence and industry feedback.

On delivery, the new vessel will start work in the North Sea area, operating out of Rotterdam. There is a high level of offshore activity in the region, particularly in relation to renewable energy as well as O&G decommissioning.

The relationship between Muller Dordrecht and Damen goes back almost fifty years and in the past Muller Dordrecht’s fleet has included both Damen Pushy Cats and Multi Cats. Both companies have much in common, being family owned, sharing family values and headquartered not far from each other. However, this purchase represents the first new build contract in many years.

“After many years we are happy to be working together once again with Damen Shipyards,” said Bram Muller, CEO of Muller Dordrecht. “This ASD tug 3212 will strengthen our tailor-made solutions for our customers, not only offshore but also in-port.”