World’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat launched in Antwerp
(Posted on 13/12/23)
Port of Antwerp-Bruges and CMB.TECH have announced a world first: the Hydrotug 1, the first hydrogen-powered tugboat, is ready for operation in the Antwerp port area. This ground-breaking development will play a crucial role in Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ efforts to green its fleet and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. With the Hydrotug 1, CMB.TECH reaffirms its international leadership role in the transition to environmentally friendly fuel-powered ships.
The Hydrotug 1 is the first tugboat in the world to be powered by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with traditional fuel. It is the first vessel that uses the BeHydro V12 dual fuel medium speed engines – each providing 2 megawatts – with the latest EU Stage V emissions aftertreatment. With these engines, the vessel uses clean fuels, resulting in an overall reduction of 65% of traditional fuel consumption and associated emissions in the tugboat’s overall cycle. The Hydrotug 1 can store 415kg of compressed hydrogen in 6 stillages installed on deck and eliminates the emission's equivalent of 350 cars per year.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “Hydrogen is one of the keys to an economy and society with minimal climate impact. As such, it is one of the raw materials, energy sources and fuels of the future. Port of Antwerp-Bruges wants to fully exploit its potential and is committed to being an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale. With the Hydrotug 1, the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat, we want to be a source of inspiration as well as an example for other ports.”
Alexander Saverys, CEO CMB.TECH: "The Hydrotug 1 is the world's largest hydrogen-powered vessel and it is “made in Europe”! We are delighted and grateful to have the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as our partner. Port of Antwerp-Bruges shares the same commitment as CMB.TECH to decarbonizing shipping and showcasing technology that can be scaled. The Hydrotug 1 is another big step towards zero-carbon shipping and proves that there is a vibrant energy transition industry in Antwerp, Belgium and Europe."
Annick De Ridder, Vice Mayor for the port, urban development, spatial planning and patrimony of the City of Antwerp, President of the Board of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “Port of Antwerp-Bruges nurtures the ambition to become the energy gateway of Europe as a 'green port' and as pioneers. Hydrogen plays an important role in this ambition. This is precisely why the launch of the Hydrotug 1 is a significant moment. The Hydrotug 1 can run on both hydrogen and traditional fuel, beautifully demonstrating the potential of the transition to clean energy in the shipping industry.”
Latest News
King Willem-Alexander and King Philippe to open new Terneuzen lock
(Posted on 12/09/24)The Kings of the Netherlands and the Belgians will open the New Lock in Terneuzen on 11 October. Barry... Read more
Bilbao promotes port services for trade in agri bulk
(Posted on 12/09/24)UniportBilbao and the Port Authority of Bilbao have again attended the Duero International Grain Exchange... Read more
PD Ports invests in specialist bulks tipper truck fleet
(Posted on 09/09/24)A £1m investment in five specialist bulks tipper trucks has strengthened PD Ports’ services... Read more
Wärtsilä’s pivotal role in developing Singapore’s NGVTMS
(Posted on 08/09/24)Technology group Wärtsilä has been awarded the prototyping tender for the revolutionary Next... Read more
Porthos lays foundations for future European CCS projects
(Posted on 08/09/24)Construction of the Porthos CCS (carbon capture and storage) project in the port area of Rotterdam is... Read more
New middle east rail logistics offering fast-tracked
(Posted on 03/09/24)Noatum Logistics, an AD Ports Group company and a leading logistics provider serving the globe across... Read more
PD Ports 10 year contract extension with global chemical giant Venator
(Posted on 03/09/24)PD Ports is delighted to have secured a new ten-year contract with global chemical company Venator.The... Read more
New webinar to offer insight on how CommTrac optimises bulk cargo management
(Posted on 27/08/24)TBA's CommTrac bulk terminal operating system (TOS) optimises non-containerised cargo management. On... Read more
New dredger arrives on the Tees
(Posted on 27/08/24)The Emerald Duchess has proudly made its arrival to the River Tees.The £23m dredger, a major investment... Read more
Noatum enters Egypt’s maritime market with acquisition of Safina
(Posted on 18/08/24)Noatum, an AD Ports Group company, has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Safina B.V.,... Read more
