Damen to build tug for Royal Navy
Damen Shipyards has been contracted by Serco to deliver a tug to support the Royal Navy’s two new aircraft carriers at the Portsmouth naval base, Damen announced on 12 February.
The deal forms a part of Serco’s contract to provide marine services to the UK Ministry of Defence.
Damen’s Advanced Rotortug (ART) 80-32 tug will meet the towing flexibility, power (80 tonnes Bollard Pull) and manoeuvrability needed to support the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
The 32.9m ART features the Rotortug propulsion system consisting of three azimuthing thrusters which provide omni-directional manoeuvrability, and a fully redundant and precise machinery configuration.
Serco has specified a number of modifications to the design, including a double drum render /recovery aft winch for redundancy and a foldable mast for safe working under the flight deck overhang. The vessel will also be fitted with controllable pitch propellers in the place of the usual fixed pitch propellers found on other ART 80-32 vessels.
Damen has started building the tug and is expected to deliver it to Serco in early 2017.
Iain MacLeod, business operations manager, Serco Marine Services, said: ‘There were significant challenges to be met with respect to vessel power, manoeuvrability, customisation and delivery time, but once again, it was a pleasure to deal with Damen who more than rose to the challenge.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS]()
US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS
The US Navy has been preparing to award a contract for the refurbishment of MK 41 VLS on board USN vessels and other military type ships.
-
![Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet]()
Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet
The Philippines has turned to regional neighbours Japan and South Korea in a effort to boost its naval fleet with new and ex-Japanese ships. The bonds between the countries is an acknowledgment of the rising power of China and the continued manoeuvres of the Asian giant throughout the region.
-
![US Navy prepares the next phase of the Arleigh Burke-class modernisation]()
US Navy prepares the next phase of the Arleigh Burke-class modernisation
The NAVSEA is carrying out market research and will conduct industry days in August to identify potential providers for the DDG MOD 2.0 stage.
-
![Pentagon requests industry support to address issues with low-cost undersea effectors]()
Pentagon requests industry support to address issues with low-cost undersea effectors
The US Pentagon Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) will award OTAs for small and medium affordable uncrewed underwater vehicles. Companies can submit their solution until 24 July.
