Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Panama-based Meyer‘s Group has ordered two ASD 2913 tugs for the new locks at the expanded Panama Canal at Damen Shipyards. 

CEO Michel Mittelmeyer said the group was awarded a contract last year to offer towage support in the new Panama Canal locks. »These new tugs fulfil the re[ds_preview]quirements of the Panama Canal Authority as more powerful vessels, of at least 80 tonnes bollard pull, are needed given the ever-increasing size of vessels«, he added in a relese of the Dutch shipbuilding group.

The newbuildings will give the company an 11-strong fleet, and six of these are Damen vessels. In 2012, the Meyer‘s Group bought two Damen ASD 2810 Tugs and an ASD 3212. Beforehand, the company had also chartered several Damen vessels. The latest two additions – »Arcangel San Rafael« and »Arcangel San Gabriel« – will join the fleet in May and August. »With the Panama Canal expansion there has been a substantial pick-up in activity. And even though there maybe fewer feeder vessels, these are being replaced with the mega containerships and tankers, hence the need for stronger, versatile tugs.«

He added: »The Damen ASD 2913 has great manoeuvrability, is very responsive, safe, comfortable for the crew and provides top quality.« The shipyard group could also provide a fast delivery time for the vessels, which are being customised with aft winches and FiFi 1.

Damen Sales Manager Latin America, Pieter Becker, said: »The Meyer’s Group is a very loyal customer and it is a good sign that they have come back to us again.« Two Damen ASD Tugs – »Virgen del Valle« and Meyers »Evo« are deployed in Colon servicing the oil terminal of Las Minas and the Colon Container Terminal. »Arcangel San Miguel« is operating in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.