Damen Shipyards Group has taken a notable step toward alternative fuel adoption in the harbour tug segment, securing approval from Bureau Veritas and the Netherlands flag state for a fuel-flexible tug design capable of conversion to methanol propulsion, according to Ship & Bunker.
The ASD Tug 2713 FF
The vessel at the centre of this approval is the ASD Tug 2713 FF, a compact harbour and coastal tug designed for a range of operational duties. According to Damen, these include terminal support, escort, firefighting, and pollution control tasks.
As reported by Ship & Bunker, the design allows Damen to construct tugs fitted with methanol tanks and pre-allocated space for future propulsion upgrades. In the near term, the vessels are intended to operate on conventional marine diesel or 100% HVO biofuel, with the option to transition to methanol or hybrid-electric propulsion at a later stage — dependent on market conditions and fuel availability.
A Risk-Based Approval Path
One of the more technically significant aspects of this development is the regulatory pathway required to achieve the approval. Damen noted that existing class rules for methanol propulsion have largely been written with larger vessels in mind. As a result, the company had to pursue a risk-based approval approach to address the specific challenges posed by the compact dimensions of tug designs.
This distinction is relevant for the broader industry, as it highlights that applying alternative fuel frameworks to smaller, specialised vessel types requires additional regulatory engagement beyond standard certification procedures.
Does This Matter to You?
For vessel operators, port authorities, and maritime stakeholders engaged in tug procurement or fleet planning, this development is worth noting. As decarbonisation requirements tighten across the shipping industry, the availability of future-proofed tug designs that allow phased fuel transitions — starting with conventional fuels and biofuels before moving to methanol — offers a degree of flexibility in managing operational and regulatory risk.
For bunkering professionals and fuel suppliers operating in ports where Damen tugs work, the eventual commercial uptake of methanol-fuelled tugs could over time influence local methanol bunkering demand. The approval also signals that classification societies and flag states are increasingly engaging with alternative fuel applications beyond the large vessel segment.
That said, the commercial uptake of this design and the timeline for any methanol conversions will depend on factors including fuel availability and market conditions, as Damen itself has noted.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
