Leading Italian tug operator RimorchiatoriRiuniti has ordered a powerful Damen ASD Tug 2411.Reflecting the industry's move to larger vessels, the new Damen tug, which has a 70-tonne bollard pull will replace a smaller 1990-built, 40-tonne unit. The new vessel will be deployed in Genoa and is expected to arrive by end-July.
Owned by the DellePiane and Gavarone families, RimorchiatoriRiuniti has been operating its well-known orange tugboats in Genoa since 1922.Although the company has traditionally operated in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the ports of Genoa, Salerno and Malta, RimorchiatoriRiuniti recently extended its presence to the Adriatic.
The company has a 25-strong fleet of harbour tugs, including some earlier Damen tugs. Alberto Dellepiane, Director of RimorchiatoriRiuniti, says the reasons the company chose a Damen vessel was the high quality offered, the reliability and the fact Damen vessels maintain their value.
Andrea Trevisan, Damen Sales Manager Sales Area North, West and South Europe, says: "We are delighted to welcome RimorchiatoriRiunitiagain as a customer and look forward to develop a long-term partnership with such an important and respectable owner."

Fast delivery
"As Damen builds vessels for stock, we could also deliver RimorchiatoriRiuniti's brand new tug in just over six months", Mr Trevisan points out. The ASD 2411 Tug for RimorchiatoriRiuniti will be fully compliant with Italian Flag State regulations.
The vessel is a typical example of the 'Damen standard', with the Group having sold dozens of this compact, strong tug around the world. "To me, the ASD 2411 is always a good example of the reliable and proven Damen designs", says Mr Trevisan proudly. "This vessel has been developed to move the world's largest ships, even though it is a relatively 'small' tug."
Damen Shipyards has a strong link with Italy and a successful track record with several Italian tug owners. "We hope to see even more Damen tugs serving the busy Italian ports in the future!" he adds.