CMB.TECH and Damen partner on hydrogen-powered tugs

Cleantech maritime group CMB.TECH and shipbuilding company Damen have agreed to collaborate on hydrogen-powered azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs.

According to CMB.TECH, the collaboration for the first four vessels was signed on May 23 during the 27th International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention in Dubai.

Earlier that day, the classification society Lloyd’s Register presented the two parties with approval in principle (AiP) for the hydrogen solution that will be installed in the tugs.

Built by Damen, these vessels use CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen technology that is expected to reduce emissions significantly.

The tugs will feature four highspeed dual-fuel hydrogen engines, designed to minimize NOx and CO2 emissions, and will also have modular storage systems for compressed hydrogen.

While these tugs will primarily run on hydrogen, they’re equipped to switch to traditional fuel if hydrogen isn’t available and can operate on 100% traditional fuel if needed. The tugs feature a total of 160m3 fuel holds.

Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, commented: “This contract marks another very important step in the development of our hydrogen-powered vessel portfolio. ASD tugs are ideal assets to start the decarbonisation of port operations. With our hydrogen tugs, every port in the world will now be able to lower its carbon emissions and create demand for green hydrogen production.”

Vincent Maes, Damen Area Sales Manager Benelux, said: “We are delighted once again to be working with CMB.TECH. Our two family-owned companies share the same long-term view and commitment to the maritime energy transition. We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration and developing the next steps to make our ports – and our world – a greener place.”

Andy McKeran, Lloyd’s Register CCO, noted: “The AiP for CMB.TECH’s dual fuel hydrogen technology represents a cost-effective decarbonisation solution for tugs and will provide Damen’s new ASD tugs with dual fuel hydrogen propulsion to greatly reduce the vessels’ emissions profile. Lloyd’s Register congratulates Damen and CMB.TECH for the successful realisation of this innovative design and will continue to provide classification and advisory services that help to drive forward the maritime energy transition.”

To remind, Damen and CMB.TECH have previously cooperated on the development of a series of commissioning service operations vessels (CSOVs), which are powered by dual-fuel hydrogen generator sets, that Damen is building for CMB.TECH’s subsidiary Windcat.