Smit goes on newbuilding spree

The Dutch tug operator Smit has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards for 11 new vessels. Two tugs, type ASD 2810, are replacements for the harbour towage fleet in Rotterdam and will be equipped with a substantially higher bollard pull (60 tons) and are scheduled for delivery in May and June 2009.

Two more tugs, type ASD 3211, with a 70 ton bollard pull will be built for Smit Terminals and will be delivered in February and May 2009. An additional four ASD 2810 type tugs with 60 ton bollard pull will be deployed as replacements for and expansion of this divisions’ worldwide fleet. These tugs will be delivered respectively end 2008 and early 2009.

The Division Transport & Heavy Lift of Smit reached an agreement for the construction of three multipurpose pusher tugs (approximately 28 tons bp) and are sister vessels to Smith???s existing “B-class” vessels. The first two of these vessels, which will be deployed for Smit Transport Europe, will be delivered in May and September 2009 while the last unit is expected early 2010.

Smit says all fleet renewals and expansions fit into its strategy of moving to the top-segment of the market with long-term contracts, autonomous growth, fleet renewal and optimisation.