Damen Shipyards signed a contract with Spain-based ferry operator Baleària for the delivery of a Stan Tug 1606 E3. The vessel will be the first IMO Tier III compliant tug to operate in the Mediterranean Sea and the first Damen vessel to serve in Baleària’s fleet.
Specifically, the signing was between Mr. Ettore Morace and Guillermo Alomar, executive director of operations and fleet director of Baleària respectively and Carlos Gonzalez Martin on behalf of Damen.
Baleària acquired the tug to reinforce the operation of its vessels in the harbour of Ciutadella – Menorca. The tug, arrived on June 26th, is named Rolon Plata II, after Rolon Plata; the name of the first ferry operated in the Port of Ciutadella by Flebasa – the precursor to Baleària – in 1993.
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Baleària required a tug to provide towage assistance and one that should be ready to take up its role in the quickest possible timeframe.
The vessel is outfitted with FiFi capabilities, oil recovery kit and inclusion of a NOX Reduction System, an advanced active emissions control system using SCR technology for NOX reductions of approx. 70% compared to a conventional vessel and aligned with IMO Tier III.
With the additional noise reduction associated with the system, this is an important feature for a vessel that will operate in Menorca – a biosphere reserve.
Baleària’s General Director of Operations, Ettore Morace commented
This next-generation tug will be able to meet the needs of all operators, as well as being available for salvage and rescue in the area.
