Great Lakes Shipyard will build Hulls 11 and 12, extending the company’s Damen tug programme to 12 vessels
The Great Lakes Towing Company is continuing its fleet renewal programme with an order for two new Damen-designed harbour tugs from Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland, Ohio.
The vessels will become Hulls 11 and 12 in the company’s Damen newbuild series, following the delivery of ten Damen tugs already in service. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with the first tug expected to enter service in late 2027 and the second in early 2028.
The Great Lakes Towing Company announced today that it has placed an order with Great Lakes Shipyard for the construction of two new Damen-designed harbor tugs. The vessels will be Hulls 11 and 12 in the company’s Damen newbuild series, continuing a fleet renewal and expansion program that has already brought ten new Damen tugs into service.
Construction is expected to begin later this year at Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland. The first tug is scheduled for delivery in late 2027, followed by the second in early 2028.
“The Great Lakes have been our home for more than a century, and this order reflects our confidence in the future of commercial shipping throughout the region and our commitment to the customers who depend upon us,” said Great Lakes Towing Company President, Gregg Thauvette. “Continuing to renew our fleet is essential to maintaining safe and reliable harbor towing service and preparing the Towing Company to meet our customers’ needs for years to come.”
Like the ten Damen tugs already in service, Hulls 11 and 12 will be constructed, outfitted, and commissioned at Great Lakes Shipyard in Cleveland.
“Building the first ten Damen tugs gave our team valuable experience that we will carry into the construction of the next two vessels,” said Tom Rigolo, President, Great Lakes Shipyard. “We are proud that this work will continue here in Cleveland, and we look forward to seeing Hulls 11 and 12 take shape.”
The project represents a continued investment in the Towing Company’s fleet, the Shipyard, the skilled employees who build, maintain, and operate the company’s vessels, and the marine transportation system that supports industries and communities across the region.
