News - Damen Services Central America

Delivery and commissioning VB Kukulkan tug

In November 2024, the Heavy Lift process for the VB Kukulkan tugboat began, marking the start of its transportation to its final destination.

Client visit to ACP by the technical team

In October, a dedicated team of colleagues that worked together in the Crane Barge's construction, visited the Crane Barge, CrBa7532 Panquiaco at the Panama Canal Authority (ACP).

New cooperation between UMIP and Damen Services Central America

The International Maritime University of Panama (UMIP) and Damen Services Central America (located in Panama) have signed a significant cooperation agreement that will enable UMIP students to undertake professional internships and placements at the company, strengthening the ties between both institutions for mutual benefit and the development of the regional maritime sector.

Proactive maintenance for VB Bentayga tug

During the recent TAM of the tug VB Bentayga’s 3512C main engines, several additional recommendations were identified for inclusion in the upcoming top-end maintenance programme.

Supporting JDF vessels back to operational readiness in Cartagena

Two Jamaica Defence Force vessels have successfully returned to service following recently completed docking projects at the COTECMAR shipyard in Cartagena.

Damen Services Central America granted SEM Licence

Damen Services Central America has officially obtained the Multinational Company Headquarters (SEM) Licence in Panama, a milestone that strengthens its operational presence in the region.

Damen and ESPOL join forces to drive talent and innovation in Ecuador

Damen has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) to strengthen academic and professional collaboration in Ecuador.

STU 1606 tugs delivered to Colombian Navy

The delivery and commissioning of two STU 1606 tugboats for the Colombian Navy were successfully completed in Buenaventura, supported by strong coordination between all teams involved.

Minimising downtime for SAAM Towage

From our Panama service hub, in partnership with Zeppelin Power (Caterpillar), we carried out a major overhaul of the C7.1 generator engines on two SAAM Towage tugboats, SAAM Acaxual and SAAM Centzunat.

Damen strengthens regional presence at REPICA

Damen recently took part in the REPICA Congress (Central American Isthmus Port Meeting) in Panama City. REPICA is the most important regional technical forum focused on port and maritime affairs.

Thruster maintenance, parts and systems support for Cititug

During a recent dry-docking operation in Ecuador, CITITUG S.A. required comprehensive technical support for an ASD2813 vessel. The focus was on ensuring operational availability within defined timeframes.

Crane installation for Boluda

Damen Services Central America recently carried out the installation of a crane on board the VB Cormoran, an ASD 2811 tug operated by Boluda.

Damen Services at the AAPA LATAM Congress 2025

From 24 to 26 June, we had the honour of representing Damen at the AAPA LATAM Congress in Lima, Peru. We shared our experience and solutions with the Latin American maritime community.

Enhanced partnership with Cotecmar

Colombiamar 2025, organised by Cotecmar and held from 12 to 14 March at the Cartagena de Indias Convention Centre, served as a key platform for the naval, maritime and river industries, promoting innovation and international collaboration.

Caterpillar care for new vessels in LATAM

Thanks to the combined efforts and seamless collaboration with our colleagues from the Damen Delivery Department, the maintenance of CAT equipment on two tugboats ASD2312, which sailed from Vietnam and China to their final destinations in Latin America, was completed successfully.