Damen to Deliver Multi Cat 2309 to Carmet Tug Company

Why It Matters

The contract highlights growing demand for Tier III‑compliant, low‑emission workboats in the UK towage sector, strengthening Damen’s market position while helping Carmet meet tightening environmental regulations.

Key Takeaways

• Damen signed Multi Cat 2309 contract with Carmet at Seawork.
• Vessel will feature 80% NOx reduction catalytic system.
• Custom paint and UK MCA compliance tailored for Carmet.
• Delivery scheduled for July 3, 2024.
• Expands Carmet’s fleet of modern Damen workboats.

Pulse Analysis

Damen Shipyards Group, a global leader in commercial vessel construction, unveiled its latest contract at the Seawork exhibition in Southampton on June 9. The Dutch shipbuilder will supply a Multi Cat 2309—part of its versatile MuÇ line designed for tug and workboat operations—to the UK‑based Carmet Tug Company. The Multi Cat series is prized for its modular design, allowing shipowners to tailor propulsion, deck layout, and onboard systems to specific operational needs. By securing this deal, Damen reinforces its foothold in the competitive European towage market, where efficiency and customization drive purchasing decisions.

A standout feature of the MuS2309 is the integration of Damen Marine’s NOx Reduction System, a catalytic solution that cuts nitrogen‑oxide emissions by roughly 80 % to meet IMO Tier III standards. This technology not only helps operators avoid costly penalties but also aligns with the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s increasingly stringent environmental criteria. By painting the vessel in Carmet’s corporate livery and certifying it against MCA regulations, Damen ensures the tug will be operationally ready for UK waters without additional retrofits, streamlining the entry‑into‑service timeline.

For Carmet Tug Company, the new Multi Cat 2309 bolsters a fleet already featuring second‑hand Damen vessels such as the Shoalbuster and Stan Tug, signaling a shift toward newer, greener assets. The addition positions Carmet to capture higher‑value contracts that demand low‑emission compliance and reliable performance in congested ports like London and the Solent. Industry observers see this move as part of a broader modernization wave, where operators upgrade to Tier III‑ready workboats to future‑proof against tightening emissions legislation and to enhance operational efficiency.