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ASD Tug 2312 Capricorn is supporting ships in the Port of Colombo – Source: Damen
Sri Lanka Shipping Co. (SLSC) has taken delivery of two azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs from Damen Shipyards to handle large ships visiting the Port of Colombo.
These 23 m vessels, Aquarius and Capricorn, were built to Damen’s ASD 2312 design in Song Cam Shipyard, Vietnam after the shipbuilder secured the order in November 2023. Following completion and sea trials, they were delivered to Sri Lanka directly on their keels.
SLSC selected 23-m ASD tugs with 70 tonnes bollard pull, with patented twin-fin skegs and two main diesel four-stroke engines driving twin azimuth thrusters, and a FiFi1 off-ship fire-fighting system. Digital connectivity and Damen’s Triton remote monitoring system will maximise efficiency and minimise downtime while these tugs support the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s (SLPA) operations in the port.
Port of Colombo is one of the busiest in the world due to its strategic location on the Indian Ocean, and attracts ultra-large container ships, bulk carriers and tankers.
Advantis Group is the transport and logistics arm of Hayleys, a publically listed company with investments in multiple sectors.
An official naming ceremony for these two ASD tugs was held on 12 September in the Port of Colombo.
“We are excited to be welcoming these new tugs to our fleet,” said Advantis group managing director Ruwan Waidyaratne, who attended the ceremony. “They position Advantis to elevate its service offerings through cutting-edge technology and enhanced operational efficiency.”
He said these tugs were “equipped to handle more complex manoeuvres, delivering superior precision in port operations” and to streamline port services.
SLSC provides a range of services, including shipowning and operating, shipmanagement, agency services, emergency response, ocean and harbour towage, offshore support services, crew management and training.
SLSC received a special commendation during International Tug & Salvage’s awards ceremony for its pivotal role in sustaining Colombo Port operations during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, handling 75% of port calls and maintaining essential services.
Its foresight in securing fuel reserves, efficient handling of transhipment containers and swift adaptation to US dollar payments ensured uninterrupted maritime trade.
The ITS commendation also acknowledged SLSC’s involvement in the X-Press Pearl salvage operation, highlighting its commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence in challenging circumstances.
(Source: https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/sri-lanka-shipping-welcomes-newbuild-tugs-to-major-maritime-trade-hub-82472)
