Great Ships 2018: MV INNOVATION

The first of Damen’s revolutionary new RSD 2513:
Always operating ‘bow first’ – a new Paradigm in Harbor Towage harbour tugs is a real innovation as its name says

The radical new design of the RSD Tug 2513 is the result of extensive industry consultation at every level to find solutions to the general demand for tugs that are compact for operations in and around harbors and terminals, yet have the power and flexibility to maneuver even the largest vessels safely, quickly and efficiently within restricted waters.
The 25-meter RSD Tug 2513 is the result of years of research and development by Damen by listening to the harbor towage industry’s needs and cooperation with its research institute partners. The design combines elements of tractor tugs and ASD tugs to create a class of vessel that effectively has two bows, enabling it to always operate bow first. The result is a tug that is equally effective at bow assists and stern assists. A Damen Twin Fin skeg also contributes to the effectiveness of the design, giving the RSD Tug 2513 excellent course-keeping characteristics. Bollard pull is 75 tonnes ahead (push) and 71 tonnes astern (pull).
This ‘bow first’ capability gives tug operators a vessel that is exceptionally efficient.
The design brings additional benefits including a higher freeboard than is usual on a tug of this size. This improves safety and stability. The RSD Tug 2513 also features a wide range of additional features including the new Damen Safety Glass for the wheelhouse. This is shatterproof glass similar to that used in cars and it represents a huge step forward in crew protection because the glass does not fragment when struck by a heavy object. Other innovations include the glued superstructure to counter noise and vibration, and Damen’s remote monitoring system.


MV Innovation Main Particulars
Yard number    515001
Delivery date   April 2018
Basic function   stowing and mooring
Class   Bureau Veritas
Flag   Netherlands
Length (OA)   24.73 m
Beam (OA)   13.13 m
Draft af  t5.5 m
Displacement   525 to
Bollard pull ahead    75.3 t
Bollard pull astern    71.2 t
Speed ahead   13 knots
Speed astern   12.8 knots
Main engines   2x MTU 16V 4000 M63L
Total power    4.480 bkW (6.008 bhp) at 1.800 rpm
Thrusters   Rolls Royce US 255
Propeller diameter   2.700 mm
Forced ventilation   60,000 cu. m./hr.
Generator set   2x Caterpillar C4.4 TA, 81 kVA, 400/230 V, 50 Hz
General service pumps   2x Azcue CA 50/3A 20 m3/h at 2.35 bar
Anchor   1x 360 kg Pool (High Holding Power)
Anchor winch   Electric 10 m/min
Towing winch    Hydraulically driven split drum 31 ton pull up to 11  m/min, reduced pull up to 38 m/min, 175 ton brake
Fendering   Cylinder + block bow fender, D-fender side/aft
Searchlight   1x Norselight, 2000 W
Radar system   1x Furuno FAR-1518-BB
Compass   Cassens & Plath Reflecta 11
Autopilo   tSimrad AP-70
Satellite compass/GPS   Simrad GN70/HS80A
Echosounder  Furuno FE-800
Speed log   Furuno DS-80
VHF   2x Sailor 6222
VHF   hand-held Jotron TR-20
Navtex   Furuno NX-700
AIS   Furuno FA-170
EPIRB   Jotron Tron-60S
SART   Jotron Tronsart20
Anemometer   Gill Instruments GMX 500
VSAT   Intellian v60G