Damen Shipyards Group has concluded several contracts that will see four new tugs delivered to Fairplay Towage. In March, the shipbuilder signed three contracts with Fairplay Towage, and an additional contract was signed with Neue Schleppdampfschiffsreederei Louis Meyer.
Based on Damen’s practice of building vessels in series for stock, construction of the tugs had commenced prior to contract signing. As a result, three of the vessels, one RSD Tug 2513 and two ASD Tugs 2312 are scheduled for delivery later this year, with the second RSD Tug 2513 expected to arrive early in 2026. Upon its delivery to Louis Meyer, the company’s ASD Tug 2312 will enter into a long-term bareboat charter with Fairplay in Germany.
Fleet renewal
With this order, Fairplay Towage is continuing its fleet renewal program, through which it is steadily phasing in more efficient and sustainable tonnage. Fairplay Towage has recently taken delivery of a significant number of Damen tugs. These contracts mark the order of a total of fifteen newbuild vessels in four years. Additionally, over the last five years, Damen has constructed four tugs for Louis Meyer.
Although based on proven, standard designs, the tugs are prepared for the integration of modular solutions to meet specific client requirements. Fairplay Towage and Louis Meyer have selected a range of options for their tugs including LNG, firefighting (FiFi-1) and winterization packages, as well as IMO Tier III compliance courtesy of the Damen Marine NOX Reduction System.
Transportation and aftersales support
Upon completion of construction at Damen’s yards in China and Vietnam, the shipbuilder will facilitate the delivery of the vessels to the Port of Rotterdam via heavy lift shipment. This delivery method, frequently used by Damen, ensures the cost-effective, low emissions arrival of the tugs in pristine condition.
The vessels will additionally benefit from warranty support and aftersales care from Damen Services Germany. The Hamburg-based Service Hub covers Damen vessels operating in both Germany and Poland.
Damen Sales Manager for Germany Joschka Böddeling said, “I am very grateful to both Fairplay and Louis Meyer for their continuing trust in Damen. These orders are a clear sign that both organizations, based on their now extensive experience with Damen vessels, are benefitting from the advantages harmonizing their fleet structure. Our companies have worked together closely these past few years, and I am looking forward to continuing our mutually fruitful relationships with these latest orders.”
