Inyathi–
meaning buffalo – is the second Damen ATD Tug 2909 in a two vessel
replacement contract awarded to Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) after
a transparent tender process. The first, named Imvubu– meaning
hippo – was delivered in July 2015.
The two new tugs will be deployed for towing, mooring and fire-fighting
operations for the South African Navy’s current and future fleet
of vessels under all-weather, heavy sea, restricted visibility, day
and night conditions within the confines of the Southern African ports
and in coastal waters. Inyathiand Imvubujoin two Damen Stan Tugs delivered
in 2006 by DSCT, then known as Farocean Marine.
"We're are very happy with the result of this project," says
the South African Navy's Project Officer Commander Hermann van Geems.
"Imvubuhas certainly proven her worth over the last 6 months and
we expect the same from her sister vessel. Damen has been excellent
to work with throughout."
Contributing to local skills development and job creation
DSCT built the registered SAMSA Class VIII vessels with a South African
workforce in keeping with governmental imperatives to create and maintain
local job opportunities.
“We are proud that the local content in the two Damen ATD Tug
2909 tugs amounts to over 50%,” says DSCT Chairman Sam Montsi.
“The construction of these two vessels has also contributed to
South African skills development and job creation through Damen Shipyards
Cape Town’s apprenticeship programme.”
Proven design outfitted for African requirements
The robust and proven ATD Tug 2909 design has excellent manoeuvrability,
high indirect towing forces and great stability. Compact and powerful,
the ATD Tug 2909 have a bollard pull of 43 tonnes, a length of 29 metres,
a beam of 9.98 metres, a maximum speed of 13.2 knots. They were further
outfitted with SA Navy equipment to ensure equipment duplication and
maintenance saving. |
