The Dutch shipbuilding company Damen Shipyards has signed a contract with the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence for a tugboat.
The ASD 3010 model is to be delivered to the navy within nine months. “By acquiring this harbour tug, Lithuania is strengthening its position as a maritime nation and providing the Navy with the necessary operational capabilities,” said Lithuanian Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
Lithuania strengthens naval flotilla
The Commander of the Lithuanian Navy, Rear Admiral Giedrius Premeneckas, added: “The acquisition of the harbour tug will significantly contribute to the Lithuanian Navy’s ability to perform various tasks.” These include a wide range of tasks, including reinforcement movements through the port of Klaipėda, ensuring port security and supporting the execution of tasks by the naval fleet and other naval units.
“It is noteworthy that the harbour tug is the first newly built vessel belonging to the naval flotilla,” Premeneckas continued. “In previous procurement projects, ships from NATO countries were procured and modernised to meet the needs of the Lithuanian Navy.”
Damen focuses on long-term partnership
For Damen Sales Director Justin Rietveld, the order is a “great honour”, as he assured in the presence of Dutch Ambassador Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford.
“Damen takes great pride in meeting the needs of its naval partners around the world,” said Rietveld. “The Damen ASD 3010 is a proven design and very well suited to meet the needs of the Lithuanian Navy, both in terms of tug capabilities and performance in ice conditions.”
Thanks to the large open working deck, the vessel can perform a wide range of activities, such as firefighting, target towing, pollution response support and other activities specified in the technical requirements.
“We are confident that the ASD will meet the requirements of the Lithuanian armed forces to a high degree,” continued Rietveld. “This project is of great importance to us and will mark the beginning of a long and successful partnership. We are all looking forward to a successful project and the delivery of the ship to the Lithuanian Navy in the first half of next year.”
