TNPA looking to trial green fuels on tugboat fleet

South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has issued a request for information (RFI) for a strategic pilot project to use green and cleaner fuels for its diesel-operated tugboat fleet.

According to TNPA, this pilot project seeks to retrofit existing tugboats to utilize alternative fuels such as LNG, biodiesel, hydrogen, and methanol.

Following the retrofitting pilot phase, the tugboats will be restored to optimal operational performance and efficiency, aiming to service the ports using improved fuel and sustainable environmental impact.

In line with TNPA’s commitment to underpin South Africa’s low-carbon economy, the RFI invites interested parties to submit proposals for the technical assessment of old diesel tugboats.

The scope of work includes examining the condition of the existing tugboats, evaluating components such as diesel engines, and inspecting the mechanical and structural components for potential new components or modifications.

“The plans to retrofit TNPA’s tugboat fleet with low-to-no carbon fuel is a significant step towards decarbonising shipping and reducing the carbon footprint of our marine craft. This project stems from TNPA’s energy mix initiatives, which respond to the Ports Authority’s objectives of operating an environmentally sustainable port system,” said TNPA Acting Chief Executive, Phyllis Difeto.

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