Damen Shipyards Group client Arrendadora Continental has been awarded a contract by the Port Authority of Puerto Quetzal to operate an additional tug, making a total of six tugs operating in the harbour on Guatemala’s Pacific coast. To fulfil its contractual responsibilities, the company will take delivery of a Damen ASD Tug 2312 later this year.
The company is the largest tug operator in Guatemala. When this latest vessel is delivered, Arrendadora Continental will operate four vessels in the country. The order for the newbuild tug followed Damen’s delivery of another ASD Tug 2312, named Iztapa, to the company in 2025.
The Operations Manager of Arrendadora Continental said, “We are grateful to the port authority for awarding us with this new contract. We are very confident in the capabilities of the Damen ASD Tug 2312 to meet the authority’s requirements. We have been very happy with the performance of our ASD Tug 2312 Iztapa, and are highly motivated to be expanding our operation with a further vessel.”
Support beyond the vessel
The two tugs are the first that Damen has delivered to Guatemala in two decades. The shipbuilder had previously delivered a Stan Tug 2207 to Arrendadora Continental. The vessel, named Hercules, was delivered in 2000 and was still in operation with the company in 2025. With the arrival of Iztapa, Damen Trading has helped Arrendadora Continental to find a new owner for this vessel in Colombia.
Designed for the modern port operation
The ASD Tug 2312 is a compact, powerful tug, designed to meet the needs of the modern port operation. The vessel is 22.81 x 12.03 metres with bollard pull of up to 70 tonnes. Its combination of azimuth thrusters and Damen Twin Fin skeg ensure outstanding manoeuvrability.
A notable feature is the tug’s powerful covered winch for operations both fore and aft. Located in the wheelhouse, the winch is shielded from the elements and contributes to creating an obstacle-free and safe working deck.
Growing Central American presence
Damen Sales Manager Thijmen Braem said, “On behalf of Damen, I would like to congratulate Arrendadora Continental on securing this new contract in Puerto Quetzal. We are proud that they have selected a Damen vessel to support them in their forthcoming operation. As family businesses with a long-term outlook and shared values, our two companies are well aligned, and I look forward to the continuation of our relationship in the years ahead.
“Damen works hard to develop solutions that are relevant to its clients in companies of all sizes, all around the world. Our growing presence in the region, and Arrendadora Continental’s placing of a second order in the space of one year, confirms that we are on the right track.”
The ASD Tug 2312, which will be named San Jose is currently under construction at Damen Song Cam Shipyard and is scheduled for delivery in July this year. After this, it will sail on own keel to Guatemala, where it is expected to arrive in September.