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Svitzer switches Danish tugs to biofuels
Svitzer has switched its tugboats working in a key Danish harbour to sustainable biofuels as part of the port operator’s drive towards CO2 neutrality
Port Esbjerg, in Denmark, has welcomed Svitzer’s commitment to reducing emissions during harbour operations as the tug owner works with Grimaldi Group and the port to switch fuels on its vessels.
From 1 February 2025, all Svitzer tugs operating in Port Esbjerg will use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and shipowners using the company’s towing services in the port will be subject to the eco-friendly bunker adjustment factor (EcoBAF). This is part of the port’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030 and strengthens its collaboration with key maritime partners.
“We are committed to decarbonising our operations which must be carbon neutral by 2040,” said Svitzer managing director for Scandinavia, Mathias Jonasson.
“We can only achieve this ambition by working with like-minded partners and customers. Port Esbjerg and Grimaldi Group share our commitment to creating cleaner operations to benefit local communities and nature in Esbjerg and the west coast of Jutland.”
Port Esbjerg chief executive Dennis Jul Pedersen said the port is committed to becoming CO2 neutral by 2030.
“We have come far, but we depend on our customers transitioning to green biofuels to deliver on this ambition fully,” said Mr Pedersen. “We acknowledge transitioning to biofuels comes with additional costs for our customers using our port facilities. But it is a necessary next step in the green transition. That is why I am very grateful that both Grimaldi Group and Svitzer understand this and will now use cleaner fuels.”
This comes as Port Esbjerg is expanding its infrastructure with 75 hectares of new areas, including new storage facilities and quaysides for various requirements, including for offshore windfarm work.
“The Grimaldi Group shares the goal of zero emissions and has made significant investments towards reaching this goal, including ordering almost 40 ships in the last seven years, with CO2 emissions halved compared with previous constructions,” said Grimaldi Group external relations manager, Paul Kyprianou.
“We consider the EcoBAF approach as an essential part of the decarbonisation journey within shipping where our Group plays a central role as one of the leading players in the industry.”
Port Esbjerg is growing with a new 350-m quay, complete with a 50-m wide quay corridor and a double ramp for roro vessels, with financial support from the European Union. The port is also considering involvement in carbon capture and storage solutions in Denmark.
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