Europe Welcomes its First All-Electric Tugboat: Antwerp Port Pioneers Sustainable Shipping
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has ushered in a new era of sustainable shipping with the arrival of six cutting-edge tugboats, including Europe’s first fully-electric tug. These vessels, built by Damen Shipyards in Vietnam, represent a significant step forward in the port’s ambitious plan to decarbonize its operations.
A Fleet of Innovation: Diesel Power Meets Electric Propulsion
The six new tugs, each bearing the hallmarks of Damen’s renowned Reverse Stern Drive (RSD) type, arrived in Antwerp in late November after an impressive voyage that spanned continents. Five are powered by conventional diesel engines, equipped with Damen’s NOX Reduction Systems to ensure compliance with stringent IMO Tier III emissions standards.
However, the true star of the fleet is the Volta 1, Europe’s first all-electric RSD tug. This pioneering vessel has a bollard pull of 70 tons and is designed with a dual-bow principle, granting it exceptional maneuverability and versatility in the demanding port environment.
Powering the Future: Electric Infrastructure and Charging Infrastructure
Damen has not only delivered an impressive vessel but also invested in the necessary infrastructure to support its operation. A state-of-the-art 1.5 MW charger has been installed at the port, enabling a full recharge of the Volta 1 in a mere two hours. This remarkable feat of engineering ensures the tugboat is ready to tackle its duties with minimal downtime.
The Volta 1 operates with large-capacity batteries that ” Damen reports will perform a minimum of two towage operations on a single charge,” highlighting the vessel’s impressive efficiency.
Training for the Future: Preparing a Skilled Workforce
With the arrival of this innovative fleet, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has committed to comprehensive training for its crew. Damen, in partnership with the Nautical Operational Cluster (NOC), is providing a robust training program encompassing simulator-based instruction, technical workshops, and crucial onboard experience. This ensures that the crew is fully equipped to operate these advanced tugboats safely and effectively.
A Leading Port Embraces a Sustainable Future
The introduction of these new tugs is a testament to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ commitment to sustainability. “We are proud to be at the forefront of the green transition in the maritime industry,” said a Port Authority representative. ” These new vessels are a symbol of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and creating a more sustainable future for shipping.”
The port is already recognized as a leader in sustainable practices, having already introduced Hydrotug, the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat, and Methatug, the first methanol-powered tugboat. These pioneering initiatives reflect a commitment to exploring and adopting a wide range of clean technologies to reduce emissions from its in-service fleet.
Global Trend: Electric Tugs on the Rise
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is not alone in its pursuit of electric tugboats. Following the world’s first fully electric tug ordered by New Zealand in 2022, several other ports around the globe have also embraced this greener technology. Canada has seen the arrival of electric tugs, and this year Crowley received the first fully electric tug in the United States, indicating a growing global trend towards sustainable shipping.
What are the port’s future plans for incorporating more electric vessels and sustainable practices?
## Interview: Antwerp Port Pioneers Sustainable Shipping with Europe’s First Electric Tug
**Host:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re discussing a groundbreaking development in sustainable shipping with the arrival of Europe’s first fully electric tugboat at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Joining us is [Guest Name], a spokesperson for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
**[Guest Name]**: Thank you for having me. It’s exciting to be able to share this news!
**Host:** It certainly is. Can you tell us more about this innovative vessel and what makes it so unique?
**[Guest Name]:** Absolutely. This vessel, named *Volta 1*, is a Damen RSD-E Tug 2513, powered entirely by electricity. It joins a fleet of five diesel-powered tugs, also built by Damen, but *Volta 1* is truly leading the way toward a greener future for our port [[1](https://www.tugspotters.com/app/content/2024/11/damen-delivers-europes-first-fully-electric-tug-to-port-of-antwerp-bruges/)].
**Host:** That’s remarkable. What are some of the environmental benefits of using an electric tugboat?
**[Guest Name]:** This is entirely zero-emission operation. No more reliance on fossil fuels, which means significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to cleaner air quality around the port. It’s a crucial step in our commitment to decarbonize our operations.
**Host:** How efficient is *Volta 1*?
**[Guest Name]:** Very efficient. Damen reports that the batteries can handle a minimum of two towage operations on a single charge. And with the new 1.5 MW charger installed at the port, it can be fully recharged in just two hours – minimizing downtime and ensuring *Volta 1* is always ready for action.
**Host:** What are the port’s future plans for incorporating more electric vessels and sustainable practices?
**[Guest Name]:** This is just the beginning. We are actively exploring opportunities to expand our fleet with more electric tugboats and are looking into other sustainable solutions for our operations.
**Host:** This is truly exciting news for the future of shipping. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today, [Guest Name].
**[Guest Name]:** My pleasure.