We are set for an extraordinary year in tug design, construction, delivery and operations, all setting the scene for an enlightening ITS Convention in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in May
This year will provide owners with their first experience of operating electric tugboats and using batteries in ship towage, manoeuvring and docking, building on the experience from battery-powered tugs brought into operation in Turkey, Japan and New Zealand.
Two fleets of battery tugboats will start operations in British Columbia, Canada, while electric vessels will begin towage operations in northern Europe, China, US, Latin America and southeast Asia.
Other owners are adopting alternative fuels such as methanol, hydrogen and ammonia on tugboats, as a prelude to introducing future fleets running on these fuels.
Designers are developing naval architecture for new-generation tugs with high power and bollard pulls from more compact vessels, without jeopardising safety and stability, and enabling fuel systems, engines and aftertreatment modules to be installed to meet tightening environmental requirements.
Tug owners have also turned to digitalisation technologies to remotely monitor operations, improve fleet management and safety, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and gain experience from semi-autonomous operations.
In 2024, major tug owners will complete consolidation initiated in the past two years, with a few huge owners operating hundreds of tugs worldwide, using their considerable power to influence building and design developments. These trends are examined in greater detail within the 2024 preview in this issue.
Tug owners, port authorities, naval architects, shipyards, brokers, market analysts, and technology and engine providers are lined up to provide technical papers and indepth presentations during the 27th International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention.
Riviera Maritime Media is hosting a three-day conference, in association with Caterpillar, during the convention in Dubai, 21-23 May 2024, where delegates will gain insight into the latest market and technology trends of owners and ports to decarbonise and build sustainable businesses.
During the conference, there will be presentations and panel debates from tug owners such as Adani Ports, Kotug International, P&O Maritime Logistics, Smit Lamnalco, Svitzer and Wilson Sons.
Technical papers will be presented by tug designers and builders including Damen Shipyards, Robert Allan Ltd, Med Marine, Sanmar Shipyards, Seatrium and Uzmar.
Delegates will also hear about the latest developments in engines, generator sets, fuels and lubricants from engine manufacturers including Caterpillar, IHI Power Systems, MAN Energy Solutions and Rolls-Royce Solutions.
With a special focus on emergency response, risk mitigation and salvage, there will be presentations from UK Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Intervention and Salvage, an HFW partner and top executives from Mubarak Marine and Smit Salvage.
Accompanying the conference is an industry-leading exhibition with more than 70 companies presenting their latest technology, products and services.
ITS 2024 has a packed social programme including a golf day, tug presentation, gala dinner and awards, networking lunches and drinks receptions.
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