Damen Shipyards Group and Chomex Marino signed a contract for the construction of two Damen Offshore Support Tugs (OST) 120. Damen developed these vessels in response to the operational needs of the end user Woodside Energy and they will play a key role in leveraging the potential of deep-water operations in Mexico.
The project began when Woodside was seeking bids for a 15-year time charter contract for multipurpose offshore support vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. Chomex Marino presented the Damen design, which ultimately won the competition.
Damen will build the vessels at the Albwardy Damen shipyard in the United Arab Emirates, a shipyard that meets Woodside’s standards in HSSEQ, project management and risk management.
The new vessels will be 67 meters long, 18 meters wide, with a bollard pull of 120 tons forward and aft and 250 m² of clear deck space. The Damen OST 120 has been developed from the keel up as a highly versatile vessel, capable of performing a wide range of activities in the offshore energy sector.
The tug is capable of safely handling mooring lines and loading hoses, performing hose maintenance, assisting tankers during tandem discharge operations, deploying ROVs, performing standby duties, responding to oil spills, as well as a wide range of supply and replenishment missions, such as crew transfers and bulk cargo.
“It has been a pleasure working with Damen and we are grateful for the design of a vessel that meets the requirements of both Woodside and Chomex Marino. With a 100% Mexican crew on board these vessels, we look forward to seeing our new Damen OST 120s in operation, generating a positive impact on the Mexican maritime industry,” stated Fausto Correa, General Manager of Chomex Marino.
