Damen signs two tug order with BOA

As well as a fleet of tugs, BOA Group operates around 15 deck cargo and semi-submersible barges and this latest development follows news late in 2023 of its plans for a series of next-generation semi-submersible barges, the selection of shipyard to build the first examples expected in 2024.

As the development of ‘greener’ tugs gathers pace, lowering of fuel consumption is one obvious attraction allowing an eventual return of what can involve higher initial investment.

“There are a number of advantages to reducing the fuel consumption of our vessels,” says BOA CEO and shipowner Ole Torberg Bjørnevik. “For one, it lowers costs, which helps us become more competitive. Crucially, it also allows us to pursue our goals of increased sustainability.”

Keeping up with the competition is also a factor, he says.

The two vessels, to be named BOA Hugin and BOA Munin, will be BOA’s first newbuilds from Damen following the two family-owned companies’ previous close working relationship.

This involved repeated use of Damen’s ship repair and conversion yards, including the recent extension of Boabarge 33 by Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam in preparation for a contract between BOA and Belgium’s TM Edison.

Specific requirements

A “wide range of tugs, from various shipyards” was considered before awarding the contract. One specific feature of BOA’s operation is servicing multiple ports, some of which are considerable distance from each other, requiring up to 10 hours’ steaming followed by having to provide harbour assistance.

BOA concluded it had found the right vessel with Damen having “the fuel economy, the right draught, ice classification and availability of spare parts”

Various options are available for Damen’s series-built tugs and for BOA Hugin and BOA Munin, the owner has included a Heila HLRM 65-4s deck crane, aft winch, modular oil recovery system and a shore heating system for its newbuilds.

With Damen’s policy of stock-building, the vessels were already under construction at the time of order and are due for delivery later in 2024.

Martin Verstraaten, sales manager Damen Scandinavia, said: “It has been a pleasure to be in contact with such a knowledgeable client. I’m very pleased that we have been able to find a solution that matches BOA’s wide-ranging operational profile. It’s been quite a journey assessing the requirements and the possible solutions, but it’s gone smoothly and always been filled with warmth. I’m looking forward to the continued development of our relationship in the future.”

The ASD Tug 3010 ICE is one of two ICE-class tugs in Damen’s catalogue, the other being a larger 34m long variant. More than 20 3010s have now been delivered to various owners since the first two, Hector and Hercules, were built for the Swedish Navy in 2015.

Specifications for the standard ASD Tug 3010 ICE indicates a bollard pull of 60t and speed 13kn via Caterpillar main engines driving Kongsberg Maritime US255 azimuth thrusters. A forward towing winch is standard (in addition to BOA’s additional aft towing winch) and accommodation for eight persons is provided in five cabins, four of which are below main deck.