CMB.TECH and Damen agreement for hydrogen-powered tugs

(Posted on 28/05/24)

CMB.TECH and Damen have announced their collaboration on hydrogen-powered ASD Tugs. Built by Damen, these vessels use CMB.TECH's innovative dual fuel hydrogen technology that will significantly reduce emissions.

CMB.TECH and Euronav together represent a group with approximately 150 ocean-going vessels in dry bulk, container shipping, chemical tankers, offshore wind and oil tankers.

The collaboration for the first four vessels was signed on 23 May at Albwardy Damen in Sharjah. The signing took place during the 27th International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention in Dubai.

Earlier that day, classification society Lloyd’s Register presented CMB.TECH and Damen with an approval in principle (AiP) for the hydrogen solution that will be installed in the tugs.

Damen Area Sales Manager Benelux Vincent Maes says, “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.”

CEO of CMB.TECH, Alexander Saverys - "This contract marks another very important step in the development of our hydrogen-powered vessel portfolio. Tugboats 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."

Lloyd’s Register Chief Commercial Officer, Andy McKeran said: “The AiP for CMB.TECH’s hydrogen dual fuel 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.”

Damen and CMB.TECH have previously cooperated on the development of a series Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOV) - which are powered by hydrogen dual fuel generator sets - the so-called Elevation Series, that Damen is building for CMB.TECH’s subsidiary Windcat.

The hydrogen dual fuel ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2, with 80-tonnes bollard pull, that meets the most stringent IMO Tier III and EU Stage V standards, are a new step in the parties’ cooperation. The vessels will feature four highspeed hydrogen dual fuel engines, designed to minimise NOx and CO2 emissions. They will also have modular storage systems for compressed hydrogen, ensuring safe storage below deck. Each tug can carry up to 16 hydrogen bottles, storing a total of 736kg of pressurized hydrogen at 350 bar.

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.

Damen operates 35 shipyards and 20 other companies in 20 countries, supported by a worldwide sales and service network.

CMB.TECH is headquartered in Antwerp, Belgium, and has offices across Europe, Asia and Africa.