Kotug expands pusher fleet with newbuilds 

Kotug International will start operating another electric-powered pusher tugboat in the Netherlands in December after partnering with two other Dutch companies.

A new E-Pusher and retrofitted barges will transport cocoa between the Port of Amsterdam and ofi’s Koog aan de Zaan and Wormer factories in the Netherlands.

Jansma Shipyard retrofitted diesel-driven vessels into barges, extending their operational life, ready to load cocoa and be pushed by Kotug’s E-Pusher operating on batteries. These four push barges and E-Pusher will operational from mid-December 2024.

“This initiative marks a significant milestone in the evolution of inland shipping, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Kotug International president and chief executive, Ard-Jan Kooren. 

“By deploying our E-Pusher in combination with the innovative barge construction, we are not only advancing the maritime industry but also setting a precedent for environmentally responsible practices,” he said. 

“Our goal is to inspire other companies and stakeholders to adopt green energy solutions, driving meaningful progress towards global climate objectives for future generations.”

Jansma Shipping owner and chief executive Andre Jansma said using these push barges optimises ofi’s supply chain and minimises its environmental footprint.

"The concept of the barges demonstrates the potential of converting existing tonnage into future-proof cargo barges and making a mind shift in the approach towards a more sustainable, circular and affordable way to transform the inland shipping industry,” he said.

Padmos Shipyard in the Netherlands builds E-Pusher vessels for Kotug including one already operating for Cargill’s sustainable cocoa transport, and one on the way for pushing barges of sand for ROS in another project with Jansma Shipping.