The Lithuanian Navy has officially commissioned its newly acquired harbour tugboat, LNS H – 24, at the Klaipėda cruise ship terminal.
Constructed by the Netherlands-based Damen, the vessel was named “Lokys“, which means “Bear” in Lithuanian. It has formally entered service with the Naval Flotilla.
The Defence Materiel Agency, operating under the Ministry of National Defence, had signed the procurement agreement with Damen in August 2024.
Lithuanian Navy commander Giedrius Premeneckas said: “This is the first time in the history of the Lithuanian Navy that we have received a brand new vessel.
“She has been built to match our requirements, every detail of the construction having been coordinated with Navy experts who worked on this project. This is a truly special feeling and I am certain that this day ushers in a new era for the Lithuanian Navy.
“We are also about to receive two brand new attack craft as well and look forward with anticipation in terms of acquisition of new multirole patrol ships, we hope that the new capabilities will strengthen the guard of Lithuania’s maritime boundary and the territorial waters.”
The contract, valued at €10.8m ($12.09m), stipulated that the ASD 3010 class design harbour tugboat would be delivered within nine months. The construction and delivery were completed on schedule.
The new vessel is expected to enhance the Lithuanian Navy’s capacity in a variety of operational areas. These include support for allied ship visits, reinforcement logistics through the Port of Klaipėda, and bolstering port and naval fleet security.
Additionally, the tugboat will assist other Navy units in mission execution.
Lithuania Vice Minister Karolis Aleksa said: “The geographical positioning and importance for economic, as well as our national security interests, cannot be overstated, therefore we must dedicate due attention and resources to the Lithuanian Navy.
“We can see and we perceive clearly the threats, therefore we are developing maritime capabilities and continue to do so, while this brand new H-24 harbor tugboat is just one example of it.”
The ASD 3010 class of tugboats are known for its proven performance and suitability for challenging environments, including ice conditions.
Measuring nearly 30 metres (m) in length and 12m in width, with a displacement exceeding 300 tonnes, the Lokys is capable of cruising at speeds up to 13 knots. The vessel will be crewed by eight professional sailors.
