The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and CMB.TECH have launched the Hydrotug 1, the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat.
The Hydrotug 1 is the first tugboat in the world to be powered by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with traditional fuel. It is the first vessel that uses the BeHydro V12 dual fuel medium speed engines – each providing two megawatts – with the latest EU Stage V emissions after treatment. With these engines, the vessel uses clean fuels, resulting in an overall reduction of 65% of traditional fuel consumption and associated emissions in the tugboat’s overall cycle. The Hydrotug 1 can store 415 kg of compressed hydrogen in six stillages installed on deck.
“The Hydrotug 1 is another big step towards zero-carbon shipping and proves that there is a vibrant energy transition industry in Antwerp, Belgium and Europe,” said Alexander Saverys, the CEO of CMB.TECH.
“Hydrogen is one of the keys to an economy and society with minimum impact on the environment. As such it is one of the fuels of the future. Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to develop its potential to the full, committing itself as an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale,” said the CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Jacques Vandermeiren.
