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Damen orders propulsion for electric tug series
One of the world’s busiest builders of electric tugboats and workboats will install a new type of azimuth thruster on its next series after signing a strategic partnership deal with a Dutch supplier
Damen Shipyards has made another move to ramp up its production of electric-power tugs by signing an agreement with an azimuth thruster supplier for its next batch in the series.
The Dutch shipbuilding group is building reverse stern drive (RSD) tugs and plans to construct azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugboats with batteries for zero-emissions towage. It has already constructed several at its facilities in Vietnam, with two operating in the United Arab Emirates, one in New Zealand, one in Belgium, one in the Netherlands and another in India.
They all sport an energy storage system that provides power to electric motors driving Z-drive type azimuth thrusters, with generator sets as back up for when the batteries have insufficient power.
Its latest agreement is a strategic partnership with AAAPropulsion for delivery of A-Pod azimuth thrusters for new RSD and ASD tugs with energy storage on board. The Netherlands-based company will supply A-Pods with an integrated electric motor, fixed-pitch propeller in a nozzle and 360° azimuthing capabilities, cooled by the outer water.
Damen said tugs with A-Pods attached will have “increased efficiency” over the existing electric RSDs.
“Fitted beneath the hull, the A-Pod reduces drag and increases efficiency. Its lower centre of gravity also enhances ship stability,” said the shipbuilder.
Following the successful integration of the A-Pod into its electric tugs and workboats, Damen aims to expand use of these thrusters to other market segments.
An A-Pod could be available with a planetary gearbox, a direct-drive version and contra rotating propellers.
Damen builds electric tugs to its RSD 2513-E design, classed by Bureau Veritas, with an overall length of around 25 m, a beam of 13 m and a draught of around 6 m.
Its first, Sparky, is operating in the Port of Auckland, New Zealand. Bu Tinah and Bu Tinah II are operated by Noatum Maritime in Khalifa Port, UAE, Volta 1 is operating in Antwerp, Belgium and Aqua Pollux is in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
The latest, Aqua Stentor was unveiled in Jawaharlal Nehru Port, near Mumbai, India, in September 2025.
The 28th International Tug & Salvage Convention, Exhibition & Awards will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, in association with Caterpillar, 19-21 May 2026. Use this link for more details of this industry event and the associated social and networking opportunities.
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