After having delivered twenty tugs of the ASD Tug 3111 design, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem launches the new ASD Tug 3212. The new tug incorporates the best features of the 3111 with even greater potential and will be introduced in the spring of 2012.
During planning and construction attention was paid to efficient and environmentally sound production and future maintenance:
– Many rounded corners have been incorporated in the steelwork
– Where possible, fully enclosed structures are used in areas such as the bulwarks
– Attention has been paid to the layout of main and auxiliary equipment and the routing of pipework and electrical wiring in the engine room
– Much thought has been given to the accessibility of valves and other components.
Improved Towing Characteristics
One of the foremost objectives was improving the towing characteristics in exposed locations with waves of up to 2.5m high. Assisting large tankers and container ships in those conditions was difficult for the ASD 3111. The new vessel will have a higher bow with a more flared and slender shape and a completely revised hull-form with bilge keels that has undergone tank testing at MARIN.
Super-Absorbent Bow Fender
A new type of heavier ‘two-stage’ super-absorbent bow fender has been developed to deal with the enormous forces generated by waves when pushing at sea. Also completely new are the cast stainless steel towing bitts and 200 tons offshore rendering/recovery winches developed by Damen Marine Components/Maaskant and designed to withstand a constant tractive force of up to 80 tonnes while working in a swell.
75 Tonnes Bollard Pull
More powerful Caterpillar 3516C TA/D engines and new Rolls Royce propulsion units of extremely rugged construction and with larger controllable propellers will further increase performance, to achieve a bollard pull of 75 tonnes and free running speed of 14 knots.
New Operating and Control System
A completely new Praxis MEGA operating and control system will utilise a series of ‘multifunctional’ touch screens located on a newly designed control console in the wheelhouse and in the engine control room. The LCD screens, intended for use in any lighting conditions, will enable the engine, propulsion, and auxiliary systems to be monitored and controlled with ease. Additional touch screens will be used to display and control the winch and hydraulic systems.
Accommodation More Comfortable
Accommodation aboard the new ASD Tug 3212 will be fully adapted to meet the new Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 200) requirements, with all cabins above the waterline. The result is a more spacious and comfortable interior in the new Damen Standard colour scheme.
Unlike the earlier vessels, the new ASD Tug 3212 will no longer be built in the Damen Changde shipyard. Production will be entrusted to the Damen Galati Shipyard in Romania and the Haiphong yard in Vietnam.
