Italian tug operator Rimorchiatori Riuniti has ordered a Damen ASD Tug 2411-series harbour tug, reflecting the local industry's move to larger vessels.
The new 24-metre x 11-metre Damen tug, which has a 70-tonne bollard pull, will replace a smaller 1990-built, 40-tonne unit. The new vessel will be deployed in Genoa and is expected to arrive by the end of July.
Rimorchiatori Riuniti has been operating its distinctive orange tugs in Genoa since 1922. Although the company has traditionally operated in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the ports of Genoa, Salerno and Malta, Rimorchiatori Riuniti recently extended its presence to the Adriatic region.
The company has a 25-strong fleet of harbour tugs, including some earlier Damen tugs.
Recently, Rimorchiatori Riuniti acquired 50 per cent in Gesmar, a company that provides towage and related services to the majority of Adriatic ports. Rimorchiatori Riuniti will now be one of the largest operators in Italy and the wider Mediterranean.
The stake in Gesmar was acquired from the Ravenna-based Setramar Group, which is controlled by the Poggiali family. The other 50 per cent is held by the Vitiello family.
Through Gesmar, and its alliance with the Vitiello Familiy, Rimorchiatori Riuniti has undertaken an extension of its tug services in the ports of Trieste, Ravenna, Ancona, Pescara, Termoli Vasto and Ortona amongst other Adriatic ports. The company also operates harbour towage in Genova, Salerno and Malta.
The group also operates in the oil and gas sector through its subsidiary company Finarge, which has a fleet of 10 anchor handling tug supply units and fast crew suppliers, serving Petrobras' offshore platforms in Brazil.
Through other group subsidiaries Rimorchiatori Riuniti is also active in international bulk trade shipping operating a number of container, bulk and chemical vessels.
