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The Damen Shipyards Group has delivered an ASD Tug 2810 ICE to Klasco Towage Assistance, an affiliate of Klaipeda Stevedoring Company (KLASCO). The largest tugboat service provider in the Port of Klaipeda (Lithuania), this is the company’s first purchase of a Damen tug, although it also currently charters a Damen 3110 from the Klaipeda State Seaport Authority.
Named the Klasco-3, the ASD Tug 2810 ICE will be based in Klaipeda and participate in day-to-day port towage operations there. She will have the distinction of being the first tug in Klaipeda with an ARC4 ice class and escort notation approved by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, together with a top of the range firefighting system and other modern equipment.
Mr. Gediminas Rubys, the Director of Klasco Towage Assistance, commented: “Klasco-3 was purchased as part of our ongoing capacity improvement strategy. We initiated an international open tender in March 2015 for the purchase of a new modern ASD tug that would meet our specific requirements. After a two month process of discussions and negotiations with a number of shipyards, Damen was declared the winner. The decision was based on its competitive pricing, outstanding technical specification, short delivery time and the after-sales service package including maintenance. We believe that Klasco-3 will fully satisfy the needs of our current and future clients and make the port of Klaipeda more competitive and safe for visiting vessels.”
Although Klaipeda is ice free all year round, floating ice can come down the river, hence the requirement for an ICE class tug. With the air temperature capable of reaching -25 degrees C, winterisation was also a necessity, involving the fitting of additional insulation to the engine room decks and sides, and to the RP room, plus heated windows, good thermal insulation of the accommodation area, and heating systems capable of managing the winter cold.
The vessel was available from stock at Damen Shipyards Galati, with the additional fitting out and commissioning being completed in just three months.
