With the upcoming launch of the world’s first seagoing hydrogen and methanol-powered harbour tugs, along with Europe’s first hybrid-electric reverse stern drive (RSD) tug, Port Antwerp-Bruges is sure to be in the running for another ITS Award in 2024.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium, is at the centre of maritime innovation with projects to decarbonise its tugboat fleet and digitalise operations.

It operates the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled harbour tug and will soon run another on methanol fuel and a harbour tug on rechargeable batteries, making it an innovator in the ports and towage sector.

This is all part of Port of Antwerp-Bruges strategy in the energy transition, towards becoming a climate-neutral harbour by 2050 and a driver of green investment, which may be highlighted during the ITS Convention and Awards in Dubai in May 2024.

Hydrotug 1 was unveiled in Antwerp in December 2023 as the first dual-fuel, hydrogen-diesel harbour tug owned by Compagnie Maritime Belge and operated by the port authority. Two pioneering vessels will be introduced in 2024: Methatug, the world’s first methanol-powered tug, and an electric reverse stern drive (RSD) tugboat from Damen Shipyards, a first for Europe.