Emergency tugs could be powered by electricity from offshore wind

In the research and development phase of the Power2Tow project, three consortia will develop solutions for near-emissions-free emergency response tugs and charging infrastructure at sea and ashore. Agreements were signed with the three consortia on 30 June 2026.

The consortia selected to participate in the new phase of the project include: Kustkracht, formed by Kotug International, IHC Defense and Bluewater Energy Services BV; Multraship Ocean Towage, Damen Shipbuilding & Cooperation and Stillstrom; and Smit Terminals Europe and Smit Salvage.

During the research and development phase, proposals from the consortia will be elaborated, tested, and evaluated. Ultimately, one consortium will be selected that will realize the project and the Rijkswaterstaat will proceed directly to a contract for construction and operation, without going through a new tendering procedure.

“With Power2Tow, we are working on future-proof emergency towing assistance in the North Sea,” said Rijkswaterstaat. The project involves the development of three electric emergency response towing vessels that can charge their batteries at sea, using electricity from wind energy and, among other things, protect windfarms from collisions with vessels in distress.

Apart from designing and building new vessels, the winning consortia will also develop charging infrastructure at sea and onshore.

The aim of the Power2Tow project is that the vessels will operate on electricity as much as possible. Sustainable e-methanol will be used for emergency towing operations. 

The Power2Tow project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Coast Guard, and the National Management Agency for the Maritime Manufacturing Industry.