KOC Names Tug Newbuild in Romania

A naming ceremony for the Kuwait Oil Company’s (KOC) new ASD 3212 tug vessel, KOC Shahem, was held October 30 at Damen Shipyards Galaţi. The KOC Shahem is the second in a series of 14 tugs that Damen is building for KOC to assist tankers at near shore loading terminals and at new single point moorings offshore.

The two companies have a lasting relationship that spans over 25 years. KOC awarded Damen the contract to design, construct and deliver the series of tugs in September 2012. Damen Shipyards Galaţi is constructing all the vessels.

Accompanying KOC CEO Hashem Sayed Hashem at the ceremony was KOC Deputy CEO Hassan Ali Bunnain, Manager of KOC’s Marine Operations Group Fadhel Boresle and the Third Secretary of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Romania, Salem Al Ajmi.

During a speech to mark the event, Hashem Sayed Hashem expressed his satisfaction with the vessel’s performance during sea trials and said he was confident she would perform similarly during service. He attributed the successful completion of KOC Shahem to the excellent cooperation, understanding, support and coordination between the teams of KOC and Damen Shipyards.

“We believe without exception that all tasks undertaken by both parties involved were completed with outstanding dedication, professionalism and commitment.” 

Welcoming the guests, Damen CEO René Berkvens, stressed the value of the long-term relationship with KOC.

“The cooperation between KOC and Damen dates back a quarter of a century, when Damen delivered several fast crew vessels and the large FiFi and terminal tug, Sabahi, to KOC. Today, we are extremely proud – once more – in having another magnificent project together.”

The contract covers two vessel types, nine of Damen’s new ASD 3212 vessels with a bollard pull of 80 metric tons and five of the ASD 2810 design, with a 50-metric-ton bollard pull. Whie the vessels are based on existing designs, Damen said it is extensively tailoring them to meet KOC’s requirements.