Damen Shipyards Cape Town, where two new tugs are currently under construction for the Navy, this week hosted the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation.
As part of her visit to the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group’s South African operation, Lilianne Ploumen saw the ATD2909 (azimuth tractor drive) tug currently being assembled for the Navy. The tug is based on a Royal Navy approved design and is powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce US205CP engines for its work of towing, mooring and firefighting.
When complete the ATD2909 will have a displacement of 370 tons, a length of 28.7m, a beam of 9.9m and a draught of 4.8m. Its bollard pull is specified at 40 tons.
The keels of both tugs were laid down at Damen Cape Town in March this year. Handover to the Navy is scheduled for July next year.
Ploumen was also shown Shed Six at Damen Cape Town. When complete this facility will provide close to 13 000 square metres more production space at the Table Bay Harbour facility. She was also given a hands-on look at a FCS (Fast Crew Suppliers) 5009 vessel under construction.
The Minister then had the pleasant task of presenting certificates to 20 apprentices from the Damen Shipyards Cape Town Apprenticeship Training Centre. All have successfully completed and passed their welding and boiler making trade tests.
Damen Cape Town builds offshore patrol vessels, dredgers, tugs, naval craft and platform supply vessels for African clients.
