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Qatar Signed Contract With Damen to Receive Two ASD Tug 3212 Tugs, Expanding Naval Support Capacity and Strengthening Its Maritime Modernization Strategy.
The reinforcement of the Qatar Navy’s auxiliary fleet has entered a new phase with the confirmation of the acquisition of two ASD Tug 3212 tugs, models designed for complex operations in ports and at sea.
The purchase was officially announced by the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces (QENF) in partnership with Damen Shipyards Group, during DIMDEX 2026, held in Doha, and involves staggered deliveries between 2026 and 2027.
The decision meets the need to enhance operational efficiency and the safety of the country’s naval maneuvers.
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Even before the final signature, the project was already progressing. Negotiations began with a memorandum of understanding signed in 2024, which allowed for early technical planning and alignment among the teams involved.
This preliminary work was crucial in accelerating the construction schedule of the vessels.
Shipyard in Vietnam Concentrates Production of Tugs
The construction of the ASD Tug 3212 tugs is being carried out at the Damen Song Cam shipyard, in Vietnam, a facility recognized for its industrial capacity and strict adherence to deadlines.
Thanks to direct cooperation between Damen and the Qatar Navy, one of the vessels is already in an advanced stage of production.
The expectation is that the first tug will be delivered as early as 2026, while the second follows its own schedule.
The keel laying of the second unit took place in December 2025, and delivery is scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. This division allows for a gradual integration into the fleet, facilitating operational adaptation.
ASD Tug 3212 Tugs Prioritize Power and Control
The ASD Tug 3212 model was developed to meet missions that require high performance.
The vessels have a length of 32.7 meters and a beam of 12.82 meters, dimensions that offer a balance between robustness and agility.
One of the main differentiators lies in the towing force. The tugs achieve 82.4 tons of bollard pull ahead and 77.4 tons astern, sufficient capacity to support large military and logistical ships.
This performance enhances the efficiency of port operations and ensures greater control in critical situations.
Equipment Expands the Range of Missions
To meet the specific demands of the Qatar Navy, the ASD Tug 3212 tugs will be delivered with an adapted configuration.
Among the planned equipment are a stern winch, deck crane, and a Fi-Fi 1 fire-fighting system.
These resources allow the vessels to act not only in berthing and unberthing maneuvers but also in emergency operations and support for other naval units.
Thus, the tugs will play a strategic role within the auxiliary fleet.
Long-Term Relationship Sustains New Agreement
The current contract is the result of a historic partnership between Damen and the Qatar Navy.
Cooperation began in 1980, with the delivery of six vessels of the PolyCat 1450 class, and has been renewed over the decades.
In 2010, two Stan Tug 1907 tugs began operating in the country. By 2022, the fleet was reinforced with two Stan Tug 1606.
The arrival of the ASD Tug 3212 tugs represents the continuity of this gradual and planned modernization process.
Technical Support Goes Beyond Construction
In addition to the delivery of the vessels, the agreement includes a complete support package. Damen will be responsible for simulator training in the Netherlands, technical training in Qatar itself, and providing maintenance and spare parts for a period of five years.
This integrated support model reduces operational costs in the long run and ensures that crews are fully prepared to operate the new ASD Tug 3212 tugs efficiently and safely.
Mutual Trust Marks the New Phase
According to Jan-Jaap Eits, regional sales director at Damen for the Middle East, the contract reflects the trust built over more than four decades of cooperation.
“It is an honor to receive yet another order from the Qatar Navy. Our relationship has lasted for over 40 years, and we are confident that the two ASD Tug 3212 will serve the Qatari fleet very well throughout their operational life,” he stated.
With the incorporation of the ASD Tug 3212 tugs, Qatar advances in its strategy to maintain a modern, flexible navy prepared for increasingly demanding operations.
With information from Poder Naval.
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