The first Damen ASD Tug 2813 vessels ordered by Seaspan will join the HaiSea Marine fleet, strengthening escort and harbour towage services in British Columbia’s Kitimat region
Damen Shipyards Group has secured an order from Seaspan ULC for two ASD Tugs 2813 escort, marking the first Damen-built tugs to join the Canadian operator’s fleet.
The contract was signed on 19 May during the International Tug and Salvage (ITS) Convention in Gothenburg, Sweden, further strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two companies.
While the ASD Tug 2813 vessels will represent Damen’s first tug deliveries to Seaspan, the companies have previously collaborated on the delivery of two hybrid-LNG ferries for Seaspan Ferries in 2021.
The new tugs will be operated under the HaiSea Marine partnership, a joint venture between Seaspan and the Haisla Nation, the indigenous people of Kitamaat Village and the surrounding lands and waters of the Kitimat region in British Columbia.
The ASD Tug 2813 is designed for combined safety and efficiency. The 27.59-metre-long vessel has a wide beam of 12.93 metres for added stability. The tug offers a bollard pull of up to 70 tonnes.
For Seaspan, Damen is incorporating a number of options into its standard design. This includes a winterisation package and FiFi 1 firefighting capabilities. The vessels will be constructed at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam and are expected to be delivered in Q4 next year.
Following delivery, the tugs will benefit from Damen’s local presence in British Columbia. The company operates a Service Hub in Vancouver, enabling it to provide a rapid response to its clients operating along Canada’s west coast.
Damen Sales Manager Americas Laurens Korporaal said, “We are very honoured that Seaspan has placed its trust in Damen for the delivery of these two ASD Tugs 2813. As family businesses, our two companies have a natural affinity with one another, sharing many values in common. This includes our long-term vision and joint commitment to environmental stewardship.”
