First hydrogen-powered tug to enter operation in 2023
Launch of the vessel in Spain (Source: Javier Carbajales)
What is claimed to be the world’s first hydrogen-powered tug was recently launched at the Spanish shipyard Astilleros Armon and will enter operations at the Belgian Port of Antwerp-Bruges in early 2023.
The main propulsion system of the Hydrotug will consist of two Schottel RudderPropellers of type SRP 460 (2,000 kW each) with propeller diameters of 2.4m. With this thruster configuration, the 31m-long and 12.5m-wide vessel will achieve a bollard pull of about 65 tonnes.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO at Port of Antwerp-Brugesm said: “With the Hydrotug, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is making an important step in the transition to a sustainable, CO2-neutral port. The port is systematically pursuing a policy of making its entire fleet eco-friendly by incorporating the most environment-friendly technologies available on the market.”
The SRP units are driven by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with diesel. Combustion of hydrogen does not emit any CO2, and the particle filter combined with the catalyser will result in minimal emissions of NOx and particulates, Schottel said in a statement.
