Albwardy Damen to build hydrogen tugs
Built by Damen, the new tugs will use CMB.TECH's dual-fuel hydrogen technology that will significantly reduce emissions (Source: Damen)
Sharjah-based Albwardy Damen is to build four azimuthing stern drive (ASD) tugs equipped with dual-fuel hydrogen technology developed by CMB.TECH. The deal for the ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2 was signed during the recent International Tug & Salvage Convention in Dubai.
The signing followed the award of an Approval in Principle from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for the hydrogen fuel arrangement that will be installed on the tugs.
With a bollard pull of 80 tonnes, the tugs will have four high-speed hydrogen dual-fuel engines designed to minimise carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. Each vessel will carry up to 16 compressed hydrogen bottles in modular storage systems below deck, with a total of 736kg of pressurised hydrogen at 350 bar.
The tugs are expected to operate on hydrogen most of the time. However, they will be able to switch to traditional fuel if necessary and have a bunker capacity of 160m3.
Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, said: “This contract marks another very important step in the development of our hydrogen-powered vessel portfolio. Tugboats are ideal assets to start the decarbonisation of port operations. With our hydrogen tugs, every port in the world will now be able to lower its carbon emissions and create demand for green hydrogen production.”
Speaking for Damen, Benelux area sales manager, Vincent Maes, declared: “We are delighted once again to be working with CMB.TECH. Our two family-owned companies share the same long-term view and commitment to the maritime energy transition. We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration and developing the next steps to make our ports – and our world – a greener place.”
LR’s CCO, Andy McKeran commented: “The AiP for CMB.TECH’s hydrogen dual fuel technology represents a cost-effective decarbonisation solution for tugs and will provide Damen’s new ASD tugs with dual-fuel hydrogen propulsion to greatly reduce the vessels’ emissions profile. Lloyd’s Register congratulates Damen and CMB.TECH for the successful realisation of this innovative design and will continue to provide classification and advisory services that help to drive forward the maritime energy transition.”
