Damen unveils new compact ASD Tug 1810

Damen has placed great emphasis on safety in the development of the ASD Tug 1810. The vessel is able to draw on technology already proven on board the other vessels in the Compact Tugs range. 

Siebe Cieraad, Damen’s Product Portfolio Manager Tugs explains, “With it being a priority for us, you see safety return time and again throughout the entire design of the tug. For example, the vessel boasts a high freeboard, keeping water on deck to a minimum. It also has the tumblehome so characteristic of the Compact Tugs range, enabling it to get safely up close when assisting a vessel.” 

The operation is further aided by the application of ergonomically designed consoles and a 360-degree view from the wheelhouse, enabling operators to see what’s happening both fore and aft. The operators further benefit from the use of Damen Safety Glass; in the event of a towing line snapping, this shatterproof glazing ensures that observers on the bridge are protected. 

Like the other vessels in the range, the ASD Tug 1810 features clutter free decks. As Siebe points out, during an operation, crew need to be focused on what is going on around them and not be distracted by potential tripping hazards on deck.  

“To help the crew maintain their focus during their work, and to help the captain gain a clear view on what’s taking place, we’ve tried to keep the decks as clear as possible, and keep the potential of tripping to an absolute minimum.”

Most of the items conventionally found on deck have been incorporated into the deck house and bulwark. This includes the Damen Marine Components winch, which has an important role to play in the vessel's efficient performance. The winch is installed in the deck house so that towing operations both fore and aft can be undertaken with a single winch. 

“In addition to protecting the crew, this also helps protect the equipment,” says Siebe. “With the winch placed in this location it is afforded shelter from the elements, minimising the needs for maintenance.”

The same applies to the tug’s closed loop cooling system. In this, fresh water runs in a series of channels on the underside, radiating heat away from the vessel.

 "As such, no sea water enters the vessel and the internal system is protected from the abrasiveness of salt water. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce docking intervals, sometime by as much up to seven years.”

The ASD Tug 1810 also features the patented Damen Twin Fin skeg. Originally installed on the RSD Tug 2513, the skeg has now become a feature on all Damen's Compact Tugs. It has demonstrated its ability to boost course keeping, manoeuvrability and predictable sailing behaviour during operations, improving both efficiency and safety.