TUGTECHNOLOGY ’25 - a festival of debate, data and demonstrations

Technological innovations, including world-first demonstrations, coupled with expert presentations and a global awards ceremony, highlighted again why TUGTECHNOLOGY remains the sector’s premier event

 

TUGTECHNOLOGY ’25, held in association with Caterpillar, was the premier event in the towage industry calendar for showcasing and debating the latest technologies shaping the sector.

Over three days in Antwerp, Belgium, attendees engaged in live discussions, presentations and vessel demonstrations that pushed the boundaries of what is possible in tug operations.

Conference sessions addressed the economic realities reshaping investment strategies across the sector. Technical papers and the concluding tug owner roundtable explored how owners are adopting energy storage systems for harbour tugs and evaluating alternatives to diesel.

Market intelligence revealed that methanol-powered tugs will enter operation this decade, with further deployments expected beyond 2030. Hydrogen-fuelled tug costs and refuelling cycles were examined in detail, offering owners and operators critical insights into capital allocation.

Operational data from years of electric tug use showed 75% of harbour activities could be powered by batteries alone, with shipyards and operators continuing to increase investment in hybrid propulsion systems.

In a dedicated ports roundtable, representatives from Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Port of Rotterdam discussed their growing use of artificial intelligence in scheduling and planning services such as pilotage and towage.

Crucially, the event also tackled obstacles to progress. Concerns were raised around shortages in charging infrastructure, and regulatory complexities were identified as key barriers.

Port authorities explained how they are rethinking procurement models, introducing new sustainability criteria and re-evaluating performance metrics for contract renewals.

The Tug Presentation Technical Tour, which preceded the main conference, was oversubscribed - and with good reason. Attendees did not just hear about Methatug, the first methanol-powered tugboat, they stepped aboard, walked its decks, and questioned the crew about fuel systems, engine configurations and daily operations.

Also on display was Hydrotug 1, the first hydrogen-powered tugboat, available for close inspection, and Volta 1, a new benchmark in sustainable towage with cutting-edge electric propulsion and zero-emissions operations. Completing the line-up was a new reverse stern drive (RSD) tug equipped with an IMO Tier

3-compliant aftertreatment system.

 

A celebration of achievement

While the conference programme delivered in-depth technical insight, it was the exhibition and networking that fostered vital connections and real-world collaboration. Stakeholders from across the industry - including shipyards, operators, technology providers, ports,

classification societies, consultants, financiers, lawyers, academics, and regulators - connected over coffee breaks, lunches and evening receptions.

Business was done, deals were struck, and collaborations were sparked – all generating real-world value for attendees. A highlight of the event was the International Tug & Salvage Awards, held during the industry dinner and celebrating excellence in innovation, design and operations.

A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Kommer Damen, chairman of Damen Shipyards Group, recognising his decades-long contribution to the design and construction of tugboats, workboats and support vessels.

Having acquired Damen Shipyards from his father in 1969, Kommer Damen pioneered the now-famous modular shipbuilding concept, enabling faster delivery and cost efficiencies by standardising designs - a formula that led to a rapid expansion from 1973 onwards. Today, Damen’s tug designs are among the most widely adopted worldwide.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges was named Tug Owner of the Year Award 2025, following an open industry vote. The port was recognised for its leadership in operating a low-emissions fleet, including Hydrotug 1, Methatug and Volta 1, as part of its roadmap to becoming a climate-neutral port by 2050.

In May 2024, the port introduced Methatug - a retrofitted tug featuring Anglo Belgian Corp dual-fuel methanol engines - as part of the EU-funded FASTWATER project. This was followed in November by the delivery of six new RSD tugs, including battery-powered Volta 1, enhancing operations while reducing the environmental impact.

Winning an ITS Award represents a major professional milestone, made even more meaningful as nominees and winners are selected by industry peers.

The Tug of the Year Award 2025 was awarded to LNG Sentinel I, an LNG-diesel dual-fuel terminal tug operated by Boluda Towage affiliate Hongkong Salvage & Towage at a terminal in Hong Kong.

Built by Cheoy Lee Shipyards to a Robert Allan RAstar 4200-DF design, the 42-m tug boasts 105 tonnes of bollard pull astern and a top speed of 14 knots.

The Innovation of the Year Award 2025 went to MAHI Solution and Ultratug, for their implementation of a remote operations unit on 2010-built tug Enco. The system enabled navigation from Ultratug’s operations centre in Viña del Mar, Chile - a step forward in remote-controlled towage.

TUGTECHNOLOGY ‘25 successfully delivered insights, innovation and inspiration - reinforcing its position as the essential international platform for the future of towage.

 

The next critical waypoint for the industry will be the 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, taking place 19-21 May at the Svenska Mässan Gothia Towers in Gothenburg, Sweden. In the interim, Riviera will continue to serve the needs of the international tug and salvage community through its online and print coverage of the sector and rolling programme of webinars, podcasts and other events.