Italian tug operator, Rimorchiatori Riuniti has ordered two vessels from Dutch company Damen. One of them even has a few bonus features.
The newest vessel – named Germania – was handed over to the tug operator last week from Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. The delivery follows Rimorchiatori Riuniti’s order for a second, identical vessel; the contract for which was also finalised at the end of December 2016.
Rimorchiatori Riuniti’s newest addition to the fleet has had some additional extras installed by Damen. “These include FiFi 1, oil recovery and escort notations as well as an aft winch meaning that she will be capable of some offshore duties too,” says Damen Regional Sales Manager Andrea Trevisan. “The Germania has also been built to be fully compliant with Italian Flag requirements.”
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The Germania – a powerful 80-tonne bollard pull tug – will be put into action in the port of Genoa. As Italy’s largest seaport, Genoa is also the country’s busiest in terms of cargo tonnage. The port also handles a substantial amount of passenger transport in the form of ferries and cruise ships.
The delivery of the Germania follows hot on the heels of the contract signing of a second 'sister' tug ASD 2913. This tug will also be built at Damen Shipyards Galati and, using the same design and additional equipment as the Germania, will be a true sister vessel.
During the construction of the Germania, Rimorchiatori Riuniti had an inspector at the yard for several months: “We are pleased that they are happy with the quality of work that we have delivered. Therefore, we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to build an additional vessel for this respected client,” said Mr Trevisan.
The second ASD 2913 is due for delivery in just four months. Damen will accomplish this swift turnaround by outfitting a built-for-stock vessel. “A mid-May delivery is very fast, but using our ‘smart customisation’, we will manage this challenge,” continues Mr Trevisan. “The trust that Rimorchiatori Riuniti Group has in Damen demonstrates the excellent spirit of cooperation between the two companies”.
