Naming ceremony for Damen tugs in Rotterdam
(Posted on 15/06/18)
The naming ceremony of the newly-built Damen tugs Rotterdam and Beagle took place this week in the Port of Rotterdam, during Kotug Smit Towage’s annual ‘Maatjes-party’ (Herring with friends, a traditional Dutch event to mark the beginning of the herring season).
Damen Shipyards Group 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. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.
During 2017 and 2018, Kotug Smit Towage has taken four newly-built Damen tugs into service for its European harbour towage activities. Two of this quartet, the Rotterdam and Beagle are currently operating in the Port of Rotterdam. Kotug Smit Towage was established on 7th April 2016, following the merger of the European harbour towage services of KOTUG (part of Kotug International) and SMIT (subsidiary of Boskalis). It is a leading provider of harbour towage services in north-western Europe, operating in 12 ports in Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and The United Kingdom.
The Rotterdam is an ASD Tug 2913 and has a bollard pull in excess of 80 tonnes. The tug is renowned for its manoeuvrability and environmentally efficient performance. The naming ceremony of Rotterdam was performed by Lady Sponsor Ms Janet van Bergen, the partner of Captain Tjitte de Groot, President of the Regional Pilots’ Corporation Rotterdam-Rijnmond.
The Beagle is an ATD Tug 2412 Twin Fin. With her 72 tonne bollard pull, she combines compactness with manoeuvrability. The naming ceremony of Beagle was performed by Lady Sponsor Ms Renee Naaktgeboren. In 2017, Renee received the Young Port Talent award in Rotterdam. This award is intended for committed and talented young people between 20 and 30 years of age, who work in the Port of Rotterdam with passion and enthusiastic drive.
Kotug Smit Towage’s CEO René Raaijmakers: “The presence of over 550 guests from the maritime community who attended our annual ‘Maatjes-party’, made this day extra special and enjoyable. It proves that towage is all about people. The event was held at the premises of Kotug Smit Towage’s Mate of the Year ‘Diving & Salvage Company W. Smit’ in Rotterdam, which was ideal for the occasion. We are grateful for the commitment of both Lady Sponsors”.
Damen’s Area Director Benelux, Mijndert Wiesenekker stated: “The Maatjes party is a great event for the complete Rotterdam Port community and we are happy that our continuing successful relationship with Kotug Smit saw another milestone today with the naming of the Beagle and the Rotterdam.”
Latest News
Rail freight is key competitive advantage for German seaports
(Posted on 23/12/25)With this year’s Rail Conference “Rail Freight Transport and Seaports”, a joint initiative... Read more
ABL Group and ICG announce the successful acquisition of SCF Containers
(Posted on 18/12/25)Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL Group) and ICG have jointly announced the successful completion of ABL&rsquo... Read more
AD Ports and AVESTO establish New Logistics JV in Tajikistan
(Posted on 18/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry and logistics... Read more
Patrick Krawutschke appointed new Managing Director at HPC
(Posted on 18/12/25)The Executive Board of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has appointed Patrick Krawutschke as Managing... Read more
Karachi Gateway agreement to develop clean bulk handling and storage facility
(Posted on 09/12/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more
30 Years of DUKC at Port Hedland
(Posted on 04/12/25)This year marks a significant milestone in maritime innovation as Port Hedland, Australia, celebrates... Read more
Major capital investment programme for ABP’s South Wales ports
(Posted on 02/12/25)Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, has announced the latest tranche... Read more
Strategic partnership for Vietnam-Japan green supply chain
(Posted on 24/11/25)During the Investment, Labour, and Trade Promotion Programme in Japan (November 16–22, 2025),... Read more
AD Ports signs two KEZAD land Leases of over 500,000sqm with Indian firms
(Posted on 24/11/25)AD Ports Group subsidiary Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi - KEZAD Group, the largest operator of integrated... Read more
AD Ports reports record Q3 net profit of AED596M
(Posted on 15/11/25)Abu Dhabi based AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, transport, industry, and logistics... Read more
