Damen Shipyards Group has successfully delivered three new tugs as part of Fairplay Towage Group’s fleet renewal programme, reinforcing Fairplay Towage’s commitment to efficient and future-ready operations. The delivery includes one RSD Tug 2513, Fairplay-98, and two ASD Tugs 2312, Fairplay-86 and Fairplay-87. The RSD Tug 2513 and one ASD Tug 2312 were delivered directly to Fairplay Towage Group. The second ASD Tug 2312 was delivered to Neue Schleppdampfschiffsreederei Louis Meyer and has joined the Fairplay Towage fleet under a long-term bareboat charter.
The tugs arrived in the Port of Hamburg aboard the HLV UHL Finesse, having been transported from Damen’s yards in China and Vietnam. Damen employs this method of transport to provide a reliable, dependable delivery solution that ensures that vessels are in pristine condition upon arrival.
Over the past few years, Damen has delivered a number of vessels to both companies. On each occasion, Damen’s clients have selected to incorporate a range of options to boost the sustainable performance of their vessels. In the case of these latest deliveries, for example, this includes the Damen Marine NOX Reduction System.
This modular selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system combines a silencer and emissions reduction technology in a single, compact unit. Its application lowers noise to 45 dB(A) and reduces NOX emissions by 80%, ensuring compliance with IMO Tier III regulations.
Additionally, Damen has installed LNG and winterisation packages, as well as incorporating FiFi-1 firefighting capabilities to the tugs. This modular approach enables Damen to quickly deliver its proven designs, while incorporating the possibility to tailor vessels to its clients’ requirements.
Following the delivery, Damen will continue to support the Fairplay Towage Group with the vessels from Damen Services Germany. At this Hamburg-based Service Hub, Damen provides warranty and lifecycle support to clients in Germany, Poland and the Baltics including maintenance, emergency response, spare parts and training.
Damen Sales Manager for Germany, Joschka Böddeling said, “I am very pleased to hand over these latest tugs for the Fairplay Towage fleet. As a result of our stock building programme, we had begun building prior to the signing of contract. Contracts were signed at the end of March 2025, and three of these brand-new, powerful and versatile vessels were delivered within nine months. I am confident that the tugs will fulfil Fairplay’s requirements, contributing to the increased efficiency the company is seeking as it sets its sights towards the future. Going forward, we look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation during the operational phase.”
Patric Ruschenpõhler, Director Marine Asset Management for the Fairplay Towage Group said, “We have been very impressed with the tugs that Damen has previously delivered and have every confidence that these latest additions will fully meet our requirements. The vessels will perform an important function, helping us to ready our operations for the future. They bring not only increasing levels of commonality to our fleet, but also the efficiency we require to ensure sustainable operations in the years ahead.”
Arek Ryz, Representative of the Management Board at Fairplay Towage Polska said, “We are delighted to welcome the Fairplay-86 into our port fleet, where it will operate alongside a growing number of Damen Tugs. Over the last few years, the relationship between our companies has been strengthened, not only by the delivery of a growing number of newbuilds, but also by the exemplary service that Damen continues to provide from its conveniently positioned service location.”
Edvin Kohlsaat, Managing Director of Neue Schleppdampfschiffsreederei Louis Meyer, added, “Once again, Damen’s practice of constructing vessels in series has demonstrated its benefits. Even prior to the placing of our order, construction of the ASD Tug 2312 was underway at Damen’s yard. This has enabled the rapid delivery of a proven platform. With its compact design and versatile capabilities, I believe the tug will prove to be a valuable asset for Fairplay Towage.”
