- Med Aldebaran Enhances Tug Malta’s Port of Marsaxlokk Operations.
- Sustainability Takes Center Stage with IMO Tier III-Compliant Tug.
- Damen’s Advanced IoT and Emission-Reduction Technology Featured on Med Aldebaran.
On December 4th, the Damen RSD Tug 2513 arrived at Port of Marsaxlokk on Tug Malta’s decks. The company held the naming ceremony of its brand-new vessel, where a number of high-profile guests included the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela; the vessel was christened Med Aldebaran and boasts a bollard pull of over 80 tonnes, reports Damen.
Innovative Design and Features for the RSD Tug 2513
Med Aldebaran is a versatile vessel that combines parts of both ASD and tractor tug designs to ensure it has an ‘always bow first’ towing approach. The tug was designed by Damen with compact and mobile features to meet special operational requirements by Tug Malta. The vessel featured advanced capabilities such as :
- Damen Marine NOX Reduction System: This selective catalytic reduction system enables the vessel to achieve the IMO Tier III standards, and reduces NOX and noise emission for better health and a greener maritime industry.
- Damen Triton IoT System: Sensors onboard this vessel help collect and analyze data which makes it possible to get efficient operational performance for the crew.
- Firefighting Capacities: This vessel features FiFi1 firefighting to help increase its safety score.
Construction and Voyage to Malta
The contract for the tug was signed between Damen and Tug Malta in March 2024. The Med Aldebaran was built at Damen Song Cam Shipyard, Vietnam. After completion, the vessel proved her ability by sailing to Malta under her own keel by navigating via the Cape of Good Hope.
Damen and MedTug Highlight Innovation and Sustainability
During the naming ceremony, Damen’s Antonio Marte praised the collaborative relationship with Tug Malta, saying, “I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to Tug Malta and MedTug for their firm trust in Damen. It is a privilege to stand here today, as we celebrate the delivery and naming of Med Aldebaran – a vessel embodying innovation, sustainability, and partnership. The vessel continues a legacy of trust and collaboration between our companies. As such, it symbolises not only a new addition to Tug Malta’s already impressive fleet, but a shared vision of excellence in maritime operations.”
MedTug’s International Managing Director, Giacomo Gavarone, emphasized the technological advancements of the new tug: “This tug is without any doubt the top technology in its category, as far as performance, safety and security are concerned. I would also like to mention that Med Aldebaran is the first tug in our fleet equipped with IMO Tier III Technology. This represents an important first step for the reduction in the emissions of our fleet according to our commitment to a better world, and to helping achieve the government’s vision for carbon neutrality by 2050.”
Prime Minister’s Vision for a Sustainable Maritime Hub
Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the significance of the Med Aldebaran in Malta’s broader maritime strategy. He stressed the importance of integrating green investments to achieve Malta’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050, stating, “The Grand Harbour boasts prime sites with immense potential, and it is crucial that we take decisive action to transform these areas. By strengthening infrastructure, attracting investment, and fostering opportunities for services of all sizes, we can unlock this potential and drive sustainable economic growth.”
A Bold Step towards Carbon Neutrality
The Med Aldebaran, with its new technology and sustainability, can be considered a representation of the vision shared by both Tug Malta and MedTug towards a better, more efficient maritime system. In Malta’s gradual development of its maritime capabilities, this vessel represents innovation coupled with a commitment to a bright, sustainable future.
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Source: Damen
