On July 24, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Cyprus-based VTS Vasiliko Terminal Services, the supplier of marine services to the Port of Vasiliko and the VTTV Oil Terminal Jetty, for a Damen ASD Tug 2310.

Attending the contract signing event was Cyprus’ Minister of Transport Ms. Vassiliki Anastassiadou, who congratulated VTS Vasiliko Terminal Services on its high standard of service, which concurrently enhances Cyprus’ image in the marine services sector.

VTS Vasiliko Terminal Services already operates two Damen vessels in its fleet. CEO Yiannos Lakkotrypis explains, “When we first began our business four years ago, our client wanted us to use state-of-the-art vessels and recommended Damen tugs.”

The company placed an order for two Damen ASD Tugs 3212, which have been providing marine services to the VTTV Oil Terminal Jetty since 2014, where they have gained a strong reputation for their performance: “The two tugs are considered in Cyprus, and the Eastern Mediterranean for that matter, as state-of-the-art ‘tools’ for the provision of marine services,” states M.r Lakkotrypis.

Now, he explains, the company is expanding rapidly and is in need of another Damen vessel to enhance its fleet. “We are very excited about the new vessel; it will add a lot of value for our clients.”

The new ASD Tug 2310, which is to be named Ayia Marina, is a standardized vessel from the Damen portfolio, but has been enhanced with some specific custom requirements from Vasiliko Terminal Services. “Chief amongst these features is firefighting capabilities of 1200m3/hr so the vessel can operate at the oil terminal, and also in order to respond to instances of coastal oil pollution. We are also having a crane installed to enable us to more easily load and discharge equipment”, states Chief Operations Officer Captain Stelios Christoforou.

Damen sales manager Stephan Stout says, “We have developed an excellent relationship with Vasiliko Terminal Services since their previous order for two ASD Tugs 3212. It’s always a pleasure when a customer returns to Damen as it confirms we are going in the right direction in terms of providing our clients with proven, standard designs that can be tailored to meet their individual requirements.”

Because of Damen’s philosophy of building for stock, the construction of the ASD Tug 2310 was already advanced when the contract was signed. The vessel is being constructed at Damen Shipyards Changde in China and will be delivered to the client in Cyprus before the end of the year.