Damen has introduced a new Fuel Flexible tug range based on three ASD harbour tug designs that can initially operate on conventional diesel fuel and later be converted for HVO, methanol or hybrid-electric propulsion, according to Damen Shipyards Group.
The Dutch shipbuilder said the range includes the ASD Tug 2512 FF, ASD Tug 2713 FF and ASD Tug 3313 FF, with dimensions of 25 by 12 metres, 27 by 13 metres and 33 by 13 metres respectively. The vessels are intended for owners facing uncertainty over future fuel selection, emissions regulation and financing requirements.
Damen said the designs use a modular energy concept with reserved space for future storage and handling systems linked to alternative energy sources.
Erik van Schaik, product manager tugs at Damen Shipyards Group, said: “A newbuild tug ordered today may still be in operation three decades from now. Who knows what the fuel picture will be five years from now, never mind 25 or 30 years?”
The ASD Tug 2713 FF is intended for port and coastal operations including terminal support, ship handling, oil pollution control and firefighting. Damen lists the vessel with 90 tonnes of bollard pull, a length of 27.25 metres, beam of 12.83 metres, speed of 12.9 knots and accommodation for up to 10 people.
The ASD Tug 3313 FF is intended for port, coastal and offshore towage, including LNG terminal support, salvage, standby and rescue work, buoy and anchor handling, oil pollution control, firefighting and pilot and personnel transfer. Damen lists the design with 100 tonnes of bollard pull, a length of 33.09 metres, beam of 12.83 metres, speed of 12.5 knots and accommodation for up to 10 crew.
Damen said the fuel-flexible range is designed to provide a price per tonne of bollard pull comparable with a conventional tug, while allowing owners to delay conversion to alternative propulsion until a commercially viable business case emerges.
Damen Shipyards Group is a privately owned Dutch shipbuilding group founded in 1927. The company operates shipbuilding, repair and conversion facilities in multiple countries and produces vessels for commercial, naval, offshore, dredging and public service markets. Damen stated that it generated turnover of €3.2bn ($3.6bn) in 2025, employed about 12,500 people, had an order backlog of €10.2bn ($11.5bn) and delivered 160 ships during the year.
