The Defence Material Organisation of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has contracted Damen for the delivery of five harbour and seagoing tugs.
The contract has been made in co-operation with its Swedish counterpart: Swedish Försvarets Materielverk (FMV).
Responding to current and future developments in emission reduction and environmentally friendly shipping, the RNLN has opted for a new Damen design: the ASD Tug 2810 Hybrid. Meanwhile the FMV has opted for another fit-for-purpose design: the ice-classed ASD Tug 3010 ICE.
Three tugs will enter service for the Dutch Navy and two will enter service for the Swedish Navy. The "off the shelf" tugs are based on a proven design and product, though some alterations allowing optimal use by the respective navies will be implemented.
The Dutch tugs will be of a Hybrid type whilst the ice-class Swedish tugs will be able to operate in icy waters.
The procurement of the tugs is a combined effort of the Defence Material Organisation and the Swedish Försvarets Materielverk (FMV). The five ASD Tugs will be delivered in 2015 and 2016. For the RNLN, they will replace four Linge-class tugs.