Argentinean towage and harbour company Remolcadores Unidos Argentinos (RUA) has just taken delivery of the 'RUA Cap. Lucio R', a Damen ASD 2810 tug. Although Damen's tugs have operated in Argentina before, this vessel is the first time a Damen tug is owned by an Argentinean company.
Established in 1967 and based in Buenos Aires, RUA has a seven-strong fleet of vessels, but none have a bollard pull to match the ASD 2810 newbuild, at 58 tonnes. The vessel's arrival reflects Argentina's growing economy and the fact that increasingly large vessels are calling into the country's ports size.
Although the Damen ASD 2810 is tailor-made for harbour operations, the 'RUA Cap. Lucio R' has proved itself on the ocean too. Built at Damen Shipyards Changde in China, the vessel had to embark on a two-month journey to reach Argentina – believed to be the longest voyage a Damen tug has made. The tug is able to comfortably accommodate a crew of ten.
The order was officially placed in October 2011 and she was delivered in mid-February. The tug could be delivered very quickly because she was from stock. A spare parts package was delivered with the vessel and in addition Damen offered help from its customer finance department. Both parties agreed on a financing schedule so RUA could get the vessel as soon as possible.