Fairplay Towage plans hydrogen-fuelled tug newbuilds

Fairplay Towage is making progress on reducing its environmental impact and has a vision to introduce alternative fuels to its tugboat operations in north Europe. It has renewed its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection by tendering for the construction of a fleet of hydrogen-fuelled tugboats.

Fairplay is also considering using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as fuel in its tugs in Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Wilhelmshaven in Germany; in Rotterdam in the Netherlands; and Antwerp in Belgium to reduce emissions and improve the sustainability of ship towage and handling operations in these key ports.

HVO is a drop-in fuel that is derived from sustainable resources, mostly waste oil, has lower NOx and particulate matter emissions than diesel and almost zero SOx.

It has been used by another European tug owner in tugs operating in ports in the UK for several years without causing issues with diesel engines or fuel processing equipment.

Its long-term vision is to introduce zero-emissions tugs through the FairHydro project, where it has developed a concept design for tugboats operating on hydrogen fuel.

“This project marks a significant milestone in our green agenda,” said Fairplay. “We are nearing completion of our FairHydro project and have published tenders for the construction of eco-friendly tugs.”

Shipyards are expected to provide technical and commercial documentation for constructing these hydrogen-powered tugs later this year, ready to begin construction in 2025.