Dutch company Damen showed off its new RSD 2513 harbour tug in Grand Harbour on Thursday.

There are strong links between Malta and Damen. Last February, Tug Malta took delivery of a Damen ASD 2913 tug named St Angelo. In 2017, Tug Malta's parent company, Italian tug operator Rimorchiatori Riuniti, added two Damen tugs to its Genoa operations.

The introduction tours are aimed at showcasing the vessel's advantages in terms of safety, efficiency and flexibility.

The 25-metre RSD Tug 2513 is the result of years of research and development by Damen by listening to the harbour towage industry’s needs and cooperation with its research institute partners.

The design combines elements of tractor tugs and ASD tugs to create a class of vessel that effectively has two bows, enabling it to always operate bow first, described by the manufacturer as being "exceptionally efficient".

The tug also features additional features including safety glass for the wheelhouse. This is shatterproof glass similar to that used in cars and it represents a huge step forward in crew protection because the glass does not fragment when struck by a heavy object.

The tour is being managed by Damen sales manager Antonio Marte.

The Dutch company operates 34 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 10,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 6,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 vessels annually to customers worldwide.