Boluda improves towage efficiency performance by 44.7%

As part of Boluda’s emissions reductions, its towage division has deployed hybrid propulsion on newbuild tugs to lower fuel consumption and extend engine maintenance periods.

The world’s largest owner of tugs incorporated the Total Energy Optimization System (TEOS), involving a shaft generator, into its azimuth stern drive (ASD) and advanced Voith tractor (AVT) tugs, built by Damen Shipyards in 2025.

TEOS enables the conversion of mechanical, rotational energy from the main propulsion shaft into electrical power for storage and onboard consumption, reducing dependency on auxiliary diesel generators.

According to a Boluda spokesperson, TEOS optimises engine loads, reduces fuel consumption, lowers emissions of CO2, NOx and particulates and “improves lifecycle costs and maintenance intervals by decreased auxiliary engine running hours”; it also “enhances electrical system stability and redundancy.”

Four new harbour tugs built by Damen, including three to its ASD 2312 design and one to Robert Allan’s TRAktor 3200-V naval architecture, were equipped with integrated tail shaft generators.

“This integration represents a forward-thinking approach in harbour towage, where traditional electrical generation models have historically relied on independent auxiliary units,” said Boluda in a statement.

“The shaft generator configuration establishes a new benchmark for energy management efficiency within high-demand port operations.”

Boluda Towage won Riviera’s ITS Innovation of the Year Award 2026 for its implementation of TEOS on these newbuilds and its other efforts to reduce emissions.

During his award acceptance speech at the 28th ITS Convention, Boluda Corporación Marítima chief executive Antonio Bordils expressed his appreciation to “all professionals, colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders who made this recognition possible.” 

He added, “This award is especially dedicated to the exceptional team that drives Boluda Towage forward every day.”