Electric pusher tug design unveiled to cut European waterways’ emissions

This collaboration is aligned with advocacy from the Shipyards’ & Maritime Equipment Association of Europe (SEA Europe) to the European Commission’s focus on advancing the inland waterways sector.

WBE said, “SEA Europe has called for ambitious measures to prioritise sustainable, digital and high-tech solutions, emphasising the critical role of European manufacturers and shipyards.”

The association also “highlights the importance of ensuring European companies lead in building and retrofitting inland water vessels to maintain technological and competitive advantages within Europe,” said WBE.

In addition, WBE said this electric-pusher design and construction project aligns with the EU’s objective of transitioning freight transport to greener inland waterways, as there are more than 332 diesel-powered pushers on Danube River system.

“The BlueKick series aims to replace these ageing vessels with sustainable, modern alternatives,” said WBE.

This design follows in the footsteps of Kotug International, which is already providing electric pusher tugs for Dutch sand transport groups using its E-Pusher designs. These are built at Padmos shipyard in the Netherlands for Cargill, ROS and OFI, with EST-Floattech suppling Octopus battery modules and Hydromaster Propulsion its outboard thrusters. Jansma Shipping is providing the barges.

Riviera’s TugTechnology 2025 will be held in Antwerp, Belgium, 20-21 May 2025 providing technical and technological insights to the towage and tug sector. Use this link for more information and to register interest in the conference, exhibition, gala industry dinner and awards - and this link to vote for the ITS 2025 Awards.