As demand for powerful offshore support tugs continues to grow, Damen and Alewijnse are contributing to increased supply by building two new multi-purpose vessels. Combining towing, propulsion and offshore support capabilities, the tugs are being built in collaboration with Chomex Marino and Woodside at Damen Albwardy in the UAE. Once delivered, it will be deployed to deepwater operations in the Gulf of Mexico.
At the end of March 2026, a steel cutting ceremony was held, marking a major achievement and the official start of the construction phase of these super-strong ships. The new vessels are the largest offshore tugboats Alewijnse has worked on to date and the first of their kind for Damen. When completed, she will have a length of 67 metres, a maximum beam of 18 metres, a draft capacity of 120 tonnes fore and aft, and a clear deck space of 250 square metres.
High towing capacity and excellent maneuverability
Specifically designed for exceptional environmental sustainability and robust DP2 performance in harsh marine conditions, the vessels will be able to safely handle mooring lines, shipping hoses, hose maintenance and assist tankers during side-by-side offloading operations, ROV deployments, standby services, oil spill response, as well as a wide range of supply and replenishment tasks such as crew and bulk cargo transfers.
With their high towing capacity and excellent maneuverability, the offshore tugboats will be ideally suited for offshore energy projects and offshore construction in the oil and gas sector. Its size will allow for safe and efficient operations while its environmental impact will be minimized thanks to its electric propulsion capabilities.
A strategic global partnership in building a developed country
Alewijnse’s contribution to the project includes responsibility for the engineering and integration of electrical and other systems, such as Van Meer’s multi-engine propulsion system, as well as the construction of switchboards and operation of the systems. Engineering work is well underway and construction is scheduled to begin this spring. Delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Damen chose Alewijnse as its electrical partner for its extensive experience in complex systems integration and international presence. Alewijnse can provide support during the engineering and construction phases in the Middle East, as well as global project development and lifecycle services, including warranty support in Mexico.
Alewijnse Account Manager, Dumitru Pobresniuc, commented: “Alewijnse has been a long-standing partner of Damen, one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, for decades, contributing to the construction of a wide range of advanced tugs and workboats. Our strategic cooperation began in Galati, Romania, and has since expanded globally with projects in Qatar, China and now Vietnam and the UAE.
Previous examples include several azimuthal stern-propulsion tugs, reversed stern-thrust tugs (a patented innovation developed by Damen), and several hybrid and electric tugs. It provides equal handling performance front and rear, and not only improves escort stability but also reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
Promising look
Market prospects remain strong with offshore operators in the Middle East and Americas actively operating similar vessels. Similar orders are currently being placed at shipyards in China and Turkey, reflecting the continuing global demand for these offshore support tugs that are well suited to a wide range of marine infrastructure and offshore construction projects.
“These prototypes reflect what is possible when strong engineering capabilities and strategic partnerships come together. In close cooperation with Damen, Alewijnse is shaping efficient and future-ready ship concepts that open the doors to a wide range of advanced variants,” concludes Dumitru Pobresniuc.
Source: Wegens
