Damen Delivers Two Tugs to SAAM
SAAM S.A., a towage company with operations across South, Central and North America, has taken delivery of two ASD Tugs 2411 from the Damen Shipyards Group.
These compact yet powerful vessels deliver over 70 tonnes of bollard pull and are exceptionally manoeuvrable and reliable.
The order was placed just three months ago, following a visit by SAAM representatives to Damen Song Thu Shipyard in Vietnam where the vessels were already in build for stock. Their decision to go ahead with the purchase was based on Damen’s ability to combine high build and service quality, flexibility and fast delivery times, even when special modifications, as in this case, are required. The ASD Tug 2411 can be found operating all over the world. This rugged design packs a lot of capability into its 24 metres and has proven to be a dependable workhorse in all conditions.
SAAM is a long-standing client of Damen. In October 2015, SAAM SMIT, a joint venture formed in 2014 between SAAM and Dutch company Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V., placed an order for an ASD Tug 2913, which was delivered in March 2016 and is now operating in Panama. With 80 tonnes of bollard pull, she is ideal for assisting vessels through the expanded Panama Canal. SAAM also purchased three Damen Stan Tugs between 1995 and 1999, and another two Damen ASD Tugs 2411 are currently in build at Wilson Sons in Brazil.
The two new tugs, named Tordo and Mirlo after Chilean birds, are now on their way to Valparaiso, Chile. Once they are fully commissioned they will begin harbour operations in the port of San Antonio. Damen will also be providing crew training and a range of other support services in their home country.