Zero-emission tugs for European harbours

Boluda Towage and Damen Shipyards have established a new partnership to introduce zero-emission tugs to ports and harbours in Europe. The first new methanol-fuelled tug is intended to be a Damen RSD-E Tug 2513, the partners said. They are now deciding on the best location in which to base the new service vessel.

Both companies have ambitious commitments towards advancing environmental sustainability. Boluda Towage ordered a series of IMO Tier III tugs in 2020, and now the partners are planning to accelerate the transition towards cleaner-fuelled vessels, particularly those operating in or close to towns and cities. The companies believe that in the harbour and towage sector, electric and methanol-fuelled propulsion systems provide the most suitable short-term option.

Bolluda Towage vice chairman, Vicente Boluda Ceballos, commented: “We are very proud of this collaboration/partnership with Damen Shipyards, which represents an important technological and innovative advancement for our industry. We know that we are in an increasingly complex environment that requires us to always be at the leading edge of solutions to increase safety in our operations, limit our environmental carbon footprint and meet the needs of our customers. With that purpose in mind, we are eager to continue our journey towards the future as a leader in the towage and maritime industry.”

Speaking for the shipyard group, Arnout Damen, chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with Boluda Towage on what will be a new chapter in European towage. Not only is this project in keeping with our own values, we also aim to give added momentum to the transition to sustainable harbour towage as the benefits that both electric and methanol-driven vessels deliver will be there for all to see. To aid this process we are already building RSD-E Tugs 2513 for stock and a number will be available for delivery in 2024/25.”