The world’s first hydrogen-fuelled tugboat was revealed at a ceremony in Antwerp, Belgium following its lengthy construction, commissioning and sea trials
Port of Antwerp-Bruges named Hydrotug 1 at a dock next to the Port House in the inner harbour. At the ceremony, Port of Antwerp-Bruges chief executive Jacques Vandermeiren said Hydrotug was a bold step in the maritime industry’s sustainable future and makes the port authority a world leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Hydrotug 1 is a significant milestone for the maritime industry as it is the world’s first hydrogen-fuelled tugboat,” he said. “We are at a crucial crossroads for fighting climate change. Hydrotug 1 is important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enabling our port to be carbon neutral by 2050.”
Hydrotug 1 was designed by CMB.Tech, built by Armon Shipyards in Spain and launched in Q3 2022 for owner CMB. It was sailed by Redwise to Ostend, Belgium, for installation and commissioning of the hydrogen fuel system and for sea trials from October 2022.
Hydrotug 1 arrived in Antwerp for final tests and certification by Lloyd’s Register in October 2023. Port of Antwerp-Bruges president of the board Annick de Ridder confirmed to Riviera Maritime Media that Hydrotug 1 is now ready for its first towage and ship assistance job.
During the naming ceremony, she said Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to be the green energy gate to Europe, “with a focus on hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for vessels.”
Ms de Ridder, who is also vice mayor for the port, urban development, spatial planning and patrimony of the City of Antwerp, said Hydrotug 1 is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
With two dual-fuel BeHydro engines, this-30 m tractor tug “is capable of running on both hydrogen and traditional fuel, demonstrating the potential for a transition to clean energy in the shipping industry,” she said.
CMB.Tech chief executive Alexander Saverys expects Hydrotug 1 to be the first of many hydrogen-fuelled tugs CMB will own as he told Riviera Maritime Media, “If you build one, you might as well build 10.”
CMB is seeking clients willing to be pioneers in operating similar dual-fuel, hydrogen/diesel tugboats.
“Hydrotug 1 is another big step towards zero-carbon shipping and proves there is a vibrant energy transition industry in Antwerp, Belgium and Europe.”
CMB.Tech developed the concept and design and partnered with Anglo-Belgian Corp for the BeHydro engines.
“Hydrotug 1 is a revolutionary tug made in Europe and we will use this knowhow to accelerate development of green ships,” said Mr Saverys.
“It is here, thanks to Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ commitment to green vessels, patience and conviction that makes Antwerp and Zeebrugge at the forefront of innovation,” he said at the ceremony. “We are at the dawn of a new industrial revolution that is better for the planet.”
Port of Antwerp-Bruges director of operations Rob Smeets said Hydrotug 1 is one of three tugs that will test different decarbonisation technologies for the future of the port’s harbour tug fleet.
He said the first methanol-fuelled tug and the harbour’s first hybrid-electric tugboat, a reverse stern drive newbuilding from Damen Shipyards, will be brought into operation in 2024.
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