Posted on March 2, 2022
Two new azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugboats will be mobilised to British Columbia in Q2 2022 to start this new contract providing harbour towing services at the two Roberts Bank terminals, Deltaport and Westshore. Built to Damen’s ASD 2813 design, they will have 83 tonnes of bollard pull ahead, fire-fighting systems and engines compliant with IMO Tier III requirements for low emissions of sulphur and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
“This important new agreement with the Port of Vancouver solidifies our development and growth efforts in western Canada,” said Ocean Group president and chief executive Jacques Tanguay.
“The Port of Vancouver’s vision to be the most sustainable port in the world aligns well with our values and actions,” he said.
When these new tugboats arrive in July, Ocean Group will operate eight harbour tugs in the Vancouver area.
It said these tugs will “meet the highest environmental standards for motorisation in Canada” and will be “among the most eco-friendly operating in the Vancouver area.”
Mr Tanguay said the tug owner strategically positioned itself in the Port of Vancouver and would work with indigenous peoples in the area.
“Developing long-term relationships with First Nations to create economic opportunities and limit environmental impacts is an essential part of our business,” he said.
Ocean Group said it set itself apart from other tug operators “by emphasising the reduction of pollutants, more competitive rates, and tugs better adapted to the needs of its customers.”
Damen’s ASD 2813 tugs have an overall length of 28 m, a beam of 13 m, a draught of 6 m and accommodation for 10 crew. These 388-gt tugs carry 103 m3 of fuel oil and have a top speed of 13 knots.
Ocean Group began operations in the Port of Vancouver in March 2020. Since then, the company has considerably increased the number of tugs in this area, with the arrival of new vessels and the acquisition of Samson Tugboats.
Ocean Group is a major Canadian marine company operating in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and the Caribbean. Its main activities are shipbuilding and repair, harbour towing and transport, specialised marine equipment rental, dredging and electro-technology.
