First Damen Tug for Fratelli Neri

ASD Tug 3212 with render-recovery winch improves safety and flexibility in towing and escorting operations

Fratelli Neri S.p.A has taken delivery of a Damen ASD Tug 3212. The new vessel, called Luisa Neri, was handed over from Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam in the Netherlands, on 25 January 2016. The vessel represents two firsts: it is Fratelli Neri’s first Damen newbuild tug and it is the first ASD Tug in the Mediterranean with a Damen render-recovery winch.

Damen is renowned for its quick delivery times and this contract further reinforces that fact: the smooth process from contract to delivery taking just 5 months. With the vessel built for stock, Damen Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam carried out the final outfitting works to bring the Luisa Neri up to client specifications. These modifications included, amongst other things, the installation of a deck crane and all equipment necessary to comply with FiFi 1 notation, Oil Recovery notation and Italian flag.

As one of the largest tug owners in Italy, Fratelli Neri will be putting the Luisa Neri to use in its home port of Livorno. “With some tight turns, Livorno is well known for being quite a challenging harbor to operate in,” comments Damen Regional Sales Manager Andrea Trevisan. “The Luisa Neri has the power – just over 80 tons of bollard pull – the maneuverability and the right equipment to handle these difficult escorting duties though.”