Bugsier Reederei can look back on a history that spans over a century. The company, with the largest tug fleet under German flag, will celebrate their 150th anniversary in 2016, and will also mark the delivery of the newly purchased Damen ASD 2411. The tug, to be delivered from Damen Shipyards Sharjah, will be named Bugsier 22 and serve as a harbour tug in German ports.

A basic balance

With a strong tug fleet, Bugsier has been catering to the offshore oil and gas industry for decades as well as the thriving offshore wind energy market. “We operate tugs, which are commonly known to work in both ports and offshore – consequently we enjoy a high degree of utilisation. However, in an effort to decrease our daily balancing act of what tug to assign to which job and strengthen our port operation, we decided to order a standard harbour tug,” states Bugsier Business Development Manager Sven Schroeder.

This brought them to Damen. “We had previously delivered four ASD 2411 units to Hamburg, so we could quickly fulfil their requirements. This, in combination with the proven performance and efficiency of the ASD 2411, solidified the purchase,” states Damen Sales Director Frank de Lange.

Purchase premier

This will be the first purchase agreement between Bugsier and Damen. Mr. Schroeder explains the reasons behind the contract: “Value for money was one determining factor,” he says. “We were on the lookout for a swift fleet addition for harbour towage and, from our point of view, the Damen ASD 2411 is a logical addition to our fleet of highly sophisticated and manoeuvrable vessels and meets all our requirements.” The ASD 2411 incorporates a state-of-the-art hull and skeg design with recent developments in fender, fairlead and winch design, as well as excellent sea-keeping features and towing characteristics.

The truth is in the numbers

Complying with Bugsier requirements, the Bugsier 22 will be 98% standard with minor modifications and specific German flag requirements. Damen having already delivered 90 vessels of the ASD 2411 design was an additional benefit. “One simply cannot ignore the fact that Damen builds many tug boats – thereby gaining competitive advantage over other shipyards with respect to design and operability,” states Mr. Schroeder. “We are looking forward to serve our harbour clients with our first Damen product in the future.”