Port of Antwerp-Bruges welcomes six new energy-efficient tugboats

A new milestone in the greening of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has been achieved with the arrival of six new energy-efficient tugboats, including Europe’s first fully electric RSD tugboat, Volta 1.

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Group began construction of the tugboats in 2023, following the order from the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority.

Built at the Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, the tugboats underwent extensive commissioning, port tests, and sea trials after their launch between April and August this year. In October, the vessels were loaded onto the heavy-lift ship Jumbo Kinetic.

After a journey of more than 10,000 kilometers, with stopovers in Singapore and Las Palmas, the tugboats safely arrived in Antwerp on November 28.

All six vessels are of the reversed stern drive (RSD) type, featuring a dual-bow design for enhanced maneuverability. This allows for efficient towing in both forward and backward directions.

The vessels are equipped with “an advanced exhaust gas after-treatment system and energy-efficient design”, to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.

The electric tugboat Volta 1, a European first, has a bollard pull of 70 tons and “powerful batteries that can fully recharge in just two hours via a 1.5 MW charging station”. According to Damen, each of the vessels will be in full compliance with IMO Tier III regulations, with the RSD-E Tug 2513 able to operate with zero emissions.

“With this new generation of energy-efficient tugboats, we take a significant step forward in our transition to a climate-neutral fleet. This investment demonstrates our commitment to sustainable innovation. The Volta 1 is a groundbreaking addition to our fleet and a beacon for the entire maritime sector,” Rob Smeets, Chief Operations Officer of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said.

“The arrival of these new tugboats marks a new chapter in the sustainability of our port and strengthens our position as the economic engine of Flanders. Just like with the Hydrotug and the Methatug, the Volta 1 once again confirms our pioneering role in the energy transition and environmentally friendly shipping,” Johan Klaps, Port Alderman of the City of Antwerp, added.

“On behalf of Damen, I would like to congratulate the Port of Antwerp-Bruges on the delivery of their new vessels – including Europe’s first fully electric tug. The pioneering steps towards increased sustainability they have taken are commendable and will, I am sure, serve as inspiration for other ports. I am looking forward to continuing to build on our relationship, as both Damen and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges continue to pursue solutions towards a sustainable maritime future,” Damen Sales Manager Benelux Vincent Maes commented.

The six new tugboats are part of the comprehensive greening program of the port. This initiative focuses on the renewal and sustainability of the fleet, which accounts for nearly 85% of port-related CO2 emissions.

Together with earlier projects like the Hydrotug (the first hydrogen-powered tugboat) and the Methatug (the first methanol-powered tugboat), these new tugboats underline the port’s commitment to achieving emissions reduction goals.