Day three of the conference is an obvious highlight. It explores the practicalities of tug owner/operator adoption of the latest engine innovations and the following fuel options: methanol, LNG, ammonia, biofuels and hydrogen. It will address timelines, costs, infrastructure needs and regulatory factors that must align for a successful transition.

In open and spirited discussions our panels comprising senior industry figures from across the value chain will weigh up customer commitments, policy enablers, and investment required. We’ll assess the collaboration needed, economic and operational feasibility of different options and the challenges of scaling up sustainable fuels.

Time	Activity
07:30	Registration opens (all pass holders) Exhibition access (exhibitor pass holders only)	Registration sponsored by:
08:00 - 14:00	Exhibition opening hours
08:50	Conference opens: Welcome address from Riviera Maritime Media	Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media


Time	Session/Paper	Presenters/Authors
08:55	Advancing methanol propulsion - High-speed engine solutions for tugs This paper provides insights into MAN ES’ development of methanol-fuelled high-speed engines tailored for tug applications. It assesses technical implementation factors including eﬃciency, safety, emissions and space constraints. Methanol’s promise as a widely available carbon-neutral fuel Speciﬁc propulsion challenges for tugboat applications Evaluating fuel injection technologies for optimal methanol combustion Addressing safety and space limitations on harbour tugs Solutions for meeting emission limits with methanol engines Ensuring commercial viability - cost, development timeline etc. MAN ES’ progress engineering methanol-fuelled engines Outlook on high-speed product line meeting tugboat’s needs	Mark Watson, Sales Manager, *MAN Energy Solutions* and Dr Christopher Gross, Technical Project Lead, *MAN Energy Solutions* *View paper here*
09:10	LNG hybrid propulsion for harbour tugs This paper details the development of an LNG hybrid tug utilising MTU pure gas engines. It provides insights into the design process, propulsion integration, and operational experience of this innovative vessel achieving ultra-low emissions. Project background - replacing aging, diesel tugs with sustainable LNG hybrids Overview of pioneering tug design by LMG Marin Selection of MTU 16V4000M55RN pure gas engines Optimising and integrating LNG propulsion system for tug duties Meeting demanding bollard pull and dynamic performance requirements Signiﬁcantly reducing emissions beyond IMO Tier III limits Highlighting reliability, safety and operational experience Analysing performance compared to environmental impact predictions Assessing viability for broader adoption in harbour towage markets	Cyrill Halbauer, Application Engineer for Commercial Vessels, *Rolls-Royce Solutions* and *Vineeth Menon Nirmal,* Assistant Manager, *SEATRIUM* *View paper here*
09:25	PANEL DISCUSSION I: Which of the transition pathways presented make the most sense from environmental, operational and financial perspectives? Our four presenters are joined by three top executives to debate the papers and challenge the presenters. Given historically long asset lifecycles, can combustion engines realistically be phased out of tug fleets by 2050 for other propulsion solutions? What should interim targets be? Does hybridising or switching harbour tugs to alternate fuels materially impact their safety, reliability and performance capabilities? Who should carry the high upfront costs for transformative green technologies along the towage value chain - operators, ports, or fuel providers? How prepared are we to handle issues like leakage, toxicity, bunkering, and cleanup risks that come with novel fuels like methanol? If we transition tugs to technologies like shore power, battery or hydrogen systems, what demands does this place on utilities and electrical infrastructure readiness? Rather than a one-size-fits all approach, should we tailor solutions based on specific tug operational profiles? Or standardise global decarbonisation efforts? PRESENTERS WILL BE JOINED BY THE FOLLOWING PANELLISTS: Andrew Brown, LNG Business and Project Development Director, Smit Lamnalco Mark Bell, General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, SGMF Márcio Castro, Executive Director of Tugboats, Wilson Sons
09:50	Networking coffee break in the VIP Hospitality area and visit the exhibition	Sponsored by:
10:30	Ammonia: an impartial, fact-based assessment Ammonia, has gained tremendous attention as a carbon-free fuel. At the same time it poses storage, handling and combustion challenges. SGMF’s north star is providing impartial, fact-based assessments grounded in rigorous technical analysis. This presentation will highlight issues relating to ammonia as a marine fuel to spur collaborative effort and resolve knowledge gaps.	Mark Bell, General Manager & Chief Operating Officer, SGMF
10:45	Demystifying Biofuels - Myths and facts for tug operators This paper oﬀers a practical take on biofuel use for tug operators. It details key factors in storage, treatment, and maintenance based on real-world operator experience. The goal is to equip attendees to utilise these fuels reliably and unlock their sustainability beneﬁts. Overview of major biofuel types - FAME, HVO, others Fuel property variations - cloud point, CFPP, contamination risks Resulting issues - sludge, deposits, pump and injector failures Recommended system design factors with biofuels Maintenance technologies - ﬁltration, puriﬁcation, separators Biofuel analysis - key limits and testing Case studies of best practices for biofuel tug operation Strategies to avoid breakdowns and optimise performance Environmental beneﬁts achieved with proper handling	Marco van Boven, Global Business / Account Manager Marine and Oil & Gas, CC Jensen View paper here
11:00	Pioneering hydrogen-powered tugs: the path to safe deployment and regulatory approval Using risk-based certification (RBC) to validate designs, mitigate risks and demonstrate the safety of hydrogen-powered tugs and hydrogen bunkering infrastructure. How RBC supports regulatory approval of hydrogen fuelled tugs, even in the absence of specific standards Collaborating to establish safe and efficient hydrogen bunkering facilities to support the operation of hydrogen-powered tugs Incorporating established codes and standards, like ISO and ASME, into the RBC process for hydrogen systems RBC hydrogen-powered tug projects: from concept to construction Early hydrogen-powered tug projects influence on new class rules, guidelines and regulations	Peter Van de Graaf, Strategic Key Account Business Partner Lloyd’s Register View paper here
11:15	PANEL DISCUSSION II: Which of the transition pathways presented make the most sense from environmental, operational and financial perspectives? Our three presenters are joined by three top executives to debate the papers and challenge the presenters. How can we expand trials of ammonia co-fired engines on tugs when toxicity and nitrous oxide emissions pose very real safety threats? What further testing is needed before broader adoption? Who bears responsibility for engine damage from substandard or contaminated biofuels - fuel suppliers who don’t meet specs or operators themselves? Hydrogen fuel cells seem technologically proven but are extremely high cost. When can we expect price parity with diesel-powered tugs? Can ports realistically produce or import green hydrogen at the scales needed for entire tug fleets? Isn’t blue hydrogen or fossil-based production more likely near-term? What is the maximum percentage ammonia co-firing ratio being tested while still retaining engine power, efficiency and reliability? Doesn’t relying on biofuels take away land and feedstocks from food production given limited arable land supplies globally? Can this be ethically justified? PRESENTERS WILL BE JOINED BY THE FOLLOWING PANELLISTS: Alasdair Smith, Commercial Director, Targe Towing Limited Bernard Liew, Senior General Manager, Coastal Sustainability Solutions, Kuok Maritime Group Bianca Pielaat, Operations and Crewing Manager, Multraship Towage & Salvage
11:40	Fuel ﬂexible tugs and commercially viable decarbonisation Fuel ﬂexible designs allow tug owners to continuously balance fuel cost, fuel availability and emissions reductions throughout a vessel’s lifetime. This paper takes a case study approach to demonstrating how switching between diﬀerent fossil-fuels, bio- fuels and e-fuels during the service life of a tug can support a commercial and technical feasible pathway to decarbonisation. Understanding the tradeoﬀs when selecting from diesel, ethanol, methanol, other emerging sustainable fuels and electricity from shore. Upfront design for fuel ﬂexibility enables regulatory compliance as fuels change over the vessel lifetime. How shipbuilders, class societies and OEMs can collaborate on safety assessments and concept engineering. Standardised optional fuel and auxiliary systems, access to capital, and controlling incremental capex. Standardised optional fuel and auxiliary systems, incremental adoption of other fuels, emissions reduction and lower fuel costs. Transition readiness that combines risk analysis of fuel system impacts and a proactive approach to preparing for future regulatory and operational requirements	*Joost Mathôt,* Director Products, *Damen* *View paper here*
12:00	Navigating the energy transition via asset ﬂexibility As the towage industry looks to transition towards renewable energy sources, there are many opportunities and challenges that must be navigated. Companies are considering various approaches to meet IMO GHG reduction targets while ensuring commercial feasibility. Towage decarbonisation; opportunities and challenges in adopting renewable diesel, biodiesel, and green methanol. Why Caterpillar is investing in methanol engine development Caterpillar engine technology development; a comprehensive approach to optimal GHG reduction, performance, emissions, and safety How operators can leverage asset ﬂexibility to meet IMO GHG targets Bridging the gap between technology maturity, fuel availability, and long asset lifecycles to ensure commercial feasibility of methanol solutions	Andres Perez, Global Segment Manager – Tug & IWW, Caterpillar Marine
12:20	PANEL DISCUSSION III: Concluding discussion and drawing conclusions: Making sense of the transition pathways for tug owners globally through to 2050 Our concluding panel discussion unites our two presenters with a further three top executives drawn from the wider value chain to debate the papers presented as well as reflect on the entirely of the day’s discussions Doesn’t adopting "fuel flexibility" in new tug designs incur massive upfront capex that strands assets if intended future fuels don’t materialise due to market dynamics? Between power loss, efficiency penalties, and safety risks - are we overpromising capabilities for novel fuels like ammonia and hydrogen right now? Who bears responsibility for the downstream emissions if tugs are switched en masse to blue methanol or hydrotreated vegetable oil rather than green alternatives? Won’t constant changeovers between diesel, biodiesel, lignin fuel introduce major reliability and maintenance headaches for tug engineers and crews? With long asset lifecycles, how can customers mitigate risks of investing large CAPEX into technologies facing obsolescence or that have an uncertain future? PRESENTERS WILL BE JOINED BY THE FOLLOWING PANELLISTS: Herman Spilker, Vice-President North & Central Europe, Bureau Veritas Jordan Pechie, Senior Vice President, Seaspan Marine Transportation José Antonio Vargas, Fleet Manager, CPT Towage Jason Pratt, Global Executive Vice President - Health Safety & Environment Group HSE, DP World
12:55	Chairman’s closing remarks and end of conference programme	Edwin Lampert, Executive Editor & Head of Business Relations, Riviera Maritime Media
13:00	Networking buffet lunch in the VIP Hospitality area	Sponsored by:
14:00	Exhibition closes (exhibition floor open for stand dismantling only)

Social Functions

14:00 - 18:00

Tug Presentation reception

(Conference, Networking & Hospitality and Press pass holders only)

Hosted by:

19:00 - 20:00

Pre-dinner drinks reception

(Gala Dinner, Drinks Reception & Awards, Conference and Networking & Hospitality pass holders only)

Venue - Conrad Dubai
Grand Ballroom - Level 2
Sheikh Zayed Road (opposite DWTC), Dubai

20:00 - Late

Gala Dinner & ITS Awards

(Gala Dinner, Drinks Reception & Awards, Conference and Networking & Hospitality pass holders only).

Venue - Conrad Dubai
Grand Ballroom - Level 2
Sheikh Zayed Road (opposite DWTC), Dubai

Gala dinner sponsored by:

Awards sponsored by:

CONFERENCE PASS

Group booking discounts - Save up to 15%

Programme subject to change / amendments

DAY ONE DAY TWO

Option One
Option Two

Nicholas Trikeriotis Market Analysis – Gas, H Clarkson & Company Limited

Thank you very much for a very insightful session on Tuesday with your distinguished guest speakers and subject matter experts. I look forward to keeping in touch and hopefully physically attending one of your future events.” more

Clara Chan, Products & Corporate Marketing, Speedcast

Great job, everyone! The session was incredibly informative and engaging. It’s impressive to witness the continuous flow of questions that kept the discussion alive and vibrant.” more

Emil Regard, Co-Founder/Owner, BlueTide Communications Corporation

The best maritime webinar I have ever attended” more

Mandy Masters, Windcat Workboats Ltd.

It’s probably one of the best and most interesting
I’ve listened to in quite some time” more

Mark Riggio, Hyde Marine

Thank you as well for a very professional event! It was a pleasure to take part… the pre-work and run-throughs were very important to making sure it went well.” more

Alexandros Glykas, DYNAMARINe Co, Consultants and STS Risk Assurance Org

You are doing an exceptionally good job. I honestly believe that you are the only firm globally doing what you do, especially in the tanker business, and you do it well.” more

Anne Irmola, Head of Marketing, Vaisala

I wanted to send my warm thanks to all our webinar presenters and Riviera Media / Edwin for hosting our webinar today. All of your presentations were excellent and it was very interesting webinar in general with plenty of questions and engagement coming from the audience.

I hope we can co-operate also in the future with similar kind of projects like this webinar.” more