Yesterday, the naming ceremony for the new vessels joining Boluda Towage’s fleet in the region took place in Genoa. During the event, the latest Damen-built vessel, an ASD Tug 2813, was officially named VB Marte. The vessel was delivered by Damen in December last year at Damen Song Cam Shipyard and subsequently completed its voyage from Vietnam to Italy under its own power.
Safety and efficiency
The design of the ASD Tug 2813 is focused on a combination of safety and efficiency. With its wide, 12.93-metre beam, the tug offers extra stability. Operators are provided with a clear, unrestricted view from the wheelhouse. The tug is able to deliver up to 83 tonnes of bollard pull during towage.
From left to right: Antonio Marte (Sales Manager, Damen Shipyards), Alberto Dellepiane (Managing Director, Medtug), Raffaele Porzio (Senior Vice President, Head of Operations, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company), Vicente Boluda Fos (Chairman, Boluda Corporación Marítima), Anne-Marie Verheijden Marte (Godmother of VB Marte), Vicente Boluda Ceballos (Executive Chairman, Boluda Towage), Jorge Rosety (General Manager, Boluda Towage), José María Collado (Global Technical Director, Boluda Towage).
Fully equipped
VB Marte is, however, equipped for more than towage. It is Damen’s practice to offer wide-ranging options to enable its proven, standard designs to be tailored to client-specific requirements.
In the case of this ASD Tug 2813, Boluda has opted to install an aft winch, crane, FiFi 1 firefighting system and oil spill recovery capabilities.
From left to right: Vicente Boluda Ceballos (Executive Chairman, Boluda Towage), Anne-Marie Verheijden Marte (Godmother of VB Marte), Antonio Marte (Sales Manager, Damen Shipyards)
A tug for tomorrow
Damen Sales Manager Antonio Marte said: “Boluda has opted to build the tug fully equipped and this has resulted in an asset that is extremely versatile. Plus, despite the Mediterranean not currently being designated as NOx Emission Control Area under IMO Tier III, Boluda has chosen to install a Damen Marine NOx Reduction System, which reduces NOx emissions by 80%. This ensures the vessel’s suitability for operations not only now, but also into the future, demonstrating Boluda’s forward-thinking and responsible approach to its operations.
The lady sponsor for the naming was Anne-Marie Verheijden Marte, wife of Damen Sales Manager Antonio Marte. During the ceremony, Antonio added, “I am very honoured that my wife has been invited to name this wonderful tug. This occasion feels doubly special to me, marking the delivery of the-state of the art ASD Tug 2813 to one of Damen’s best customers, and also a proud moment for us all. Many thanks to the Boluda for this order and for the renewed trust in Damen.”