Damen signs two-tug deal with Arena Offshore

Damen Shipyards Group is to provide the design and license for Istanbul-based Arena Offshore A.S. to build two Stan Tugs 1606 at its own facility in Istanbul. The vessels will be built under the  Group’s Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC) setup whereby Damen supports clients in the construction of vessel designs at third-party shipyards.

Damen’s Stan Tug range comprises a series of standard designs that have been well tried and tested over the years. The 1606, with a length of about 16.8 metres, has a bollard pull of 16 tonnes and is well-suited to towing, mooring, pushing and surveying. 

Arena Offshore, with activities in brokerage, chartering and shipbuilding, will offer the two completed vessels for sale. The company has built and delivered more than 50 new ship projects around the world since it was established in 1998.

Arena Offshore’s owner, M. Ömer Ince, commented: “It is a great honour and pleasure for us that Damen has chosen and trusted an external company for the building of two Stan Tugs 1606, which is one of its most well-known models. As a reflection of this trust, we are excited to complete the construction of the two units in Istanbul to Damen’s quality and standards.” 

Damen’s Bram Kouters, managing director of DTC, said: “We are very pleased that the good experience and collaboration we have had with Arena Offshore has led them to construct their own newbuild Damen designs. It’s also gratifying to see DTC gaining traction in Türkiye. Damen firmly believes that by sharing its designs, knowledge and technology in this way, we can contribute to the construction of higher quality, sustainable vessels all around the world. Additionally, DTC provides economic benefits, giving a boost to local maritime suppliers and widening employment opportunities.”