Damen unveils new tug design

Damen Shipyards has released a new tug design intended to meet the demand for compact tugs with enough pull to manoeuvre large vessels safely within restricted waters.

The RSD Tug design combines elements of tractor tugs and ASD tugs to create a class of vessel that effectively has two bows, enabling it to always operate bow first.

The result is a tug that is equally effective at bow assists and stern assists.

The tug has a bollard pull of 75 tonnes ahead and 71 tonnes astern.

The design also includes a higher freeboard than is usual on a tug of its size, improving safety and stability.