With the demand for powerful offshore support tugs continuing to grow, Damen and Alewijnse are now constructing two new multi-purpose vessels. The new vessels are the largest offshore tugboats that Alewijnse has worked on to date and the first of their kind for Damen.
Combining towing, pushing and offshore support capabilities, the tugs are being built in collaboration with Chomex Marino and Woodside at Damen Albwardy in the United Arab Emirates. Once delivered, they will be deployed for deepwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
At the end of March 2026, a steel cutting ceremony took place. When complete, the vessels will be 67 metres in length, have a maximum beam of 18 metres, a bollard pull of 120 tonnes both ahead and astern, and 250 m2 of free deck space.
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High towing capacity
Designed for exceptional seakeeping and strong DP2-performance in severe offshore conditions, the vessels will be capable of safely handling mooring lines and cargo hoses, hose maintenance, tanker assistance during tandem offloading operations, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployment, standby services, oil spill response as well as a wide range of supply and replenishment missions such as crew and bulk cargo transfers.
Thanks to their high towing capacity and good manoeuvrability, the offshore tugboats will be ideally suited for offshore energy and maritime construction projects in the oil and gas sector. Their size will enable safe and efficient operations while their impact on the environment will be minimised thanks to their electric propulsion capabilities.
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Multi-drive propulsion system
Alewijnse’s contribution to the project includes responsibility for engineering and integrating electrical and other systems, such as Van Meer’s multi-drive propulsion system, as well as constructing switchboards and commissioning the systems. Engineering work is already well underway and construction is scheduled to start this spring. Delivery is expected in Q4 2027.
Alewijnse Account Manager Dumitru Poperesniuc: ‘Alewijnse has been a long-term partner of Damen, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, for decades, contributing to the construction of a wide range of advanced tugs and workboats. Our strategic collaboration began in Galați, Romania, and has since expanded globally with projects in Qatar, China, and now Vietnam and the UAE.’
‘Past examples include various azimuth stern drive tugs, reversed stern drive tugs (a patented innovation developed by Damen), and various hybrid and electric tugs. These provide equal performance manoeuvring fore and aft, not only improving escort stability but also reducing fuel consumption and emissions,’ adds Poperesniuc.
Also read: Alewijnse, Van Meer partner on hybrid and electric propulsion
Outlook
Market prospects remain strong with offshore operators in the Middle East and the Americas actively commissioning similar vessels. Comparable orders are currently being placed at shipyards in China and Turkey, reflecting sustained global demand for these offshore support tugs that are well suited for a wide range of maritime infrastructure and offshore construction projects.
Pictures provided by Alewijnse.
