Damen-built high-spec tugs deployed in Portugal

Two highly flexible tugs, Dóris and Tétis, built to Damen’s RSD 2513 design, are now operating in the Port of Leixõs adjacent to the Portuguese city of Porto. The two tugs, capable of towing, pushing and indirect towing, were delivered to the port authority, Administração dos Portos do Douro (APDL), within eight months of contract signing.

The Tier III-compliant vessels, with a bollard pull of 70 tonnes, incorporate Damen’s twin-fin skeg which improves directional stability and raises indirect towing force. The feature improves manoeuvrability and enhances operating efficiency in confined harbour spaces, Damen said.

The tugs are also equipped with the Damen Triton remote monitoring platform which uses sensors to monitor emissions, operational efficiency and utilisation. Subsequent analysis will provide ADPL with insight into the possibility of deploying fully electric tugs in the future.

Damen’s sales manager for Portugal, Carlos Gonzalez Martin, said: “We are really proud to see these great harbour tugs operating for APDL in Leixões. We see it as a perfect match to the operational requirements but also with the vision of sustainable goals. Definitely, these are the most environment-friendly harbour tugs stationed in Portugal so far.”