World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Tugboat

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to become a major European green-energy gateway and achieve climate-neutral operations by 2050. Hence, the port authority is revamping its fleet and experimenting with several low-emission propulsion systems. The facility has had two hybrid enforcement vessels, and in late 2023, it also launched Hydrotug 1, the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat.

Specifications & Features

It is 30.17 m long, 12.5 m wide, weighs 678.8 tons and possesses a bollard pulling power of 65 tons.

The port placed the order for the tug in 2019 from the Antwerp-based company Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB).

The hydrogen-powered tug is equipped with BeHydro V12 dual-fuel medium-speed engines that can operate on a mix of hydrogen and diesel.

Though diesel is required to ignite the hydrogen, the tug can be powered entirely by diesel, in case an issue with the hydrogen drive arises.

Per port officials, this interoperability is necessary for a tug like this.

Additionally, the tug can store up to 415 kilograms of compressed hydrogen in its 54 gas cylinders, which are installed on the deck, eliminating emissions equivalent to those of 350 cars.

Fine Example of European Technology and Expertise

The construction of the tug involved European expertise as it was built at Armon Shipyards in Navia, Spain, where it hit the waters on May 16, 2022 and arrived in Ostend in October of the same year to be fitted with a hydrogen system.

The engines were made in Belgium, the generators in Sweden, and the exhaust system in Switzerland.

The wheelhouse was designed by Alphatron Marine, while the hydrogen tech was the work of CMB TECH.

The towing winch and anchor winches came from Brusselle Winches & Steering Gear from Zeebrugge.

Why Hydrogen?

Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe and occurs as hydrogen gas in its pure form.

It can play a crucial role in the transition to a greener and more sustainable world, and though its production is quite energy-intensive, it does not generate emissions when burned.

Hydrogen is versatile and has many applications. It can also be used as an optional energy source or raw material in the industry.

The launch of Hydrotug 1 is a milestone towards zero-emissions shipping and highlights that stakeholders in Antwerp, Belgium and Europe are keen to transition to cleaner fuels.

Per CMB.TECH, the tug’s engines reduce the traditional fuel consumption by a whopping 65% and associated emissions in the vessel’s overall operational lifespan.

Truck-to-Ship Bunkering

Hydrotug 1 is refuelled with hydrogen via truck-to-ship bunkering.

Air Liquide, an industrial gases company, supplies a trailer with high-pressure hydrogen, which is parked at a safe place in the port premises. The hydrogen is then transferred from the trailer to the tug. For hybrid ships, the port is also equipped with charging points.

Importance of Hydrotug 1 for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said that hydrogen has the least harmful impact on the environment, which positions it as one of the alternative fuels of the future.

He added that the Port of Antwerp-Bruges wishes to develop it to achieve its full potential and become a pioneer of Europe’s hydrogen economy.

Integrating the tug in port operations provides the perfect opportunity to test this technology on a large scale and set an example for other port facilities, he stated.

Port of Antwerp-Bruges is also planning to import, process, and locally produce green hydrogen and hydrogen carriers like methanol and ammonia.

This is part of Belgium’s strategy to position itself as an import and transit centre for green hydrogen in Europe. However, for this, Belgium requires renewable hydrogen in massive quantities, which will have to be imported.

Other ‘greener’ vessels at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges also commissioned a few hybrid enforcement vessels which can operate on both electricity and switch to diesel when needed.

They have an optimised hull made of aluminium and use 40% less fuel than similar vessels.

The port also has a Methatug, which can operate on a mix of methanol and diesel.

Port officials said that since the regulations governing hydrogen, methanol or ammonia-powered vessels are still in infancy, it is not easy to bring these vessels into service.

Moreover, vessels of this kind need skilled personnel to operate them, which translates to additional training for the port personnel, an endeavour which requires a lot of time and money.

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