Port of Antwerp-Bruges chief executive Jacques Vandermeiren says Europe’s second-largest port will play a pioneering role in driving maritime sustainability through investment.

“We are at a crossroads for fighting climate change and it is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Hydrotug represents a bold step for a maritime sustainable future and for us as a world port to be climate neutral by 2050,” says Mr Vandermeiren, who confirmed to

Riviera Maritime Media that Hydrotug 1 is ready for its first towage and ship assistance job.

“Our focus on dual-fuel tugs running on hydrogen is for minimal impact on the environment. We are leading the way and daring to pioneer, and are investing a lot of money,” says Mr Vandermeiren.

He expects hydrogen to be a fuel of the future, which is why Port of Antwerp-Bruges is investing in bunkering and port vehicle refuelling infrastructure.

“We are at the dawn of a new industry revolution for a better planet,” says Mr Vandermeiren. “We are making this reality and proving zero-emissions shipping can be done.”

Hydrotug 1 was designed by CMB.Tech, built by Armon Shipyards in Spain and launched in Q3 2022 for owner CMB. “With Hydrotug 1, we want to be a source of inspiration as well as an example for other ports,” says Mr Vandermeiren.

Hydrotug 1 was sailed by Redwise to Ostend, Belgium, for installation and commissioning of the hydrogen fuel system and for sea trials and arrived in Antwerp for final tests and certification by Lloyd’s Register in October 2023. With two dual-fuel BeHydro engines, this 30-m tractor tug has 4,100 kW of installed power, a bollard pull of 65 tonnes, and enough hydrogen for a 24-hour day of operations before needing to be refuelled.

These engines each drive a Schottel SRP 460 type Z drive through a gearbox with a slipping clutch and are linked to diesel filters and selective catalytic reduction units to minimise NOx and particulates. They exceed IMO Tier III regulations and comply with European Union Stage V emissions standards, as do two onboard Volvo Penta D8 generator sets.

Brusselles supplied the electric winch on the aft deck and JRC Alphatron integrated the tug bridge systems including ECDIS, radar, and various radio and propulsion controls.  

Port of Antwerp-Bruges director of operations Rob Smeets tells Riviera Hydrotug 1 is one of three tugs that will test different decarbonisation technologies for the future of the port’s harbour tug fleet. He expects Methatug and the first hybrid-electric RSD in Europe to be brought into operation in 2024. “Then we can compare and contrast technologies and make insightful decisions for the future.” 

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is investing €2.9Bn (US$3.2Bn) in the next 10 years in infrastructure, such as a quay wall for the Europa Terminal, a new co-ordination centre and residual land development, and on sustainability projects.

It is actively promoting a circular economy by implementing the Warmtenet Antwerpen Noord project. The first heat delivery will soon take place, and further development of the NextGen District is planned for 2024.

To meet the significant demand for renewable energy, the port is focusing on local solar and wind energy, and this year plans the first hydrogen and methanol bunkering.

In addition, shore power is being further developed, with work starting on installing a station at the cruise terminal in Zeebrugge in 2024. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is also working with industry on CO2 capture, storage and terminals, starting in 2024.

“Port of Antwerp-Bruges nurtures the ambition to become the energy gateway of Europe as a ’green port’ and as pioneers,” says president of the board, and City of Antwerp vice mayor for the port, urban development and spatial planning, Annick de Ridder. “Hydrogen plays an important role in this ambition,” she says. “Our port is the economic engine of Flanders. It is vital we remain attractive enough to attract necessary investments. Key projects such as Extra Container Capacity Antwerp and New Lock Zeebrugge therefore remain top priorities to secure our position as a world port in the future.”