Boluda’s VB Marte: 83-tonne tug with 80% less NOx enters Mediterranean
The Damen ASD 2813 vessel, named in Genoa, delivers 83 tonnes of bollard pull and cuts NOx emissions by 80%.
Boluda Towage has officially named its latest Damen-built ASD Tug 2813, VB Marte, in a ceremony held in Genoa on 23 October.
The 12.93-metre beam ASD Tug 2813 VB Marte completed its voyage from Vietnam to Italy under its own power, arriving in time for the naming event. Damen Sales Manager Antonio Marte highlighted the vessel’s versatility, noting that Boluda had opted for a fully equipped configuration, including a FiFi 1 firefighting system, oil-spill recovery gear, a crane and an aft winch. “This ensures the vessel’s suitability for operations not only now, but also into the future,” he said.
Safety and efficiency at the core of VB Marte’s design
The ASD Tug 2813 design prioritises safety and operational efficiency. The vessel’s multi-role capabilities extend beyond traditional towage.
Natural Gas
Boluda’s decision to install a Damen Marine NOx Reduction System underscores its commitment to sustainability. Despite the Mediterranean not being designated as a NOx Emission Control Area under IMO Tier III, the system reduces NOx emissions by 80%, aligning the vessel with future regulatory requirements. “This demonstrates Boluda’s forward-thinking and responsible approach to its operations,” Antonio Marte added during the ceremony.
Genoa’s port operations set to benefit from VB Marte’s arrival
The addition of the vessel strengthens Boluda’s presence in the Mediterranean, where it already provides towage, salvage and emergency response services.
The vessel’s NOx reduction system not only meets current regulatory standards but also anticipates future emissions rules, providing a competitive edge in an industry increasingly focused on sustainability. Port authorities and terminal operators will benefit from the tug’s ability to handle a broader range of tasks, from routine towage to emergency response.
Boluda Towage’s investment in VB Marte reflects a broader trend in the maritime industry, where operators are prioritising vessels that combine power, versatility and environmental compliance. The Mediterranean, while not yet subject to IMO Tier III NOx regulations, is expected to face stricter emissions controls in the coming years. By equipping VB Marte with the Damen Marine NOx Reduction System, Boluda is positioning itself ahead of these changes, ensuring its fleet remains compliant and competitive.
The naming ceremony itself was a moment of celebration for both Boluda and Damen. Anne-Anne-Marie Verheijden Marte, wife of Antonio Marte, served as the lady sponsor, adding a personal touch to the event. “I am very honoured that my wife has been invited to name this wonderful tug,” Antonio Marte said. “This occasion feels doubly special to me, marking the delivery of the state-of-the-art ASD Tug 2813 to one of Damen’s best customers, and also a proud moment for us all.”
Looking ahead, VB Marte is expected to play a key role in Boluda Towage’s operations in Genoa. The vessel’s deployment comes at a time when the port is expanding its capacity to handle larger vessels, including those serving the growing offshore wind and LNG sectors. With its 83-tonne bollard pull and multi-role capabilities, VB Marte is well-equipped to support these developments, ensuring that Genoa remains a leading port in the Mediterranean.
For industry observers, the arrival of VB Marte signals Boluda’s continued commitment to innovation and sustainability. The tug’s advanced design and environmental features set a benchmark for the sector, demonstrating how operators can balance performance with responsibility. As the maritime industry evolves, vessels like VB Marte will be essential in meeting the demands of modern port operations while reducing their environmental footprint.
Boluda Towage’s decision to invest in such a versatile and future-proof asset underscores its confidence in the Mediterranean’s growth potential. With VB Marte now part of its fleet, the company is well-positioned to support the region’s expanding trade and logistics needs, while maintaining its reputation as a leader in maritime services.
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