Worlds First Hydrogen-Powered Tug Hydrotug In Port Of Antwerp

Worlds First Hydrogen-Powered Tug Hydrotug In Port Of Antwerp

The worlds first tug powered by hydrogen has been ordered by Port of Antwerp. Combustion engines that burn hydrogen with diesel are used to drive Hydrotug.

The EU Stage V complies with strict standards which makes it the lowest-rated emitters. Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) that is well known in the sector of hydrogen power for shipping is building this particular tug.

By making this, Antwerp is making a significant step towards the change to a sustainable and carbon dioxide neutral port.

Port of Antwerp hopes that the shipping industry will follow its step to support this incredible technology. It is trying to put in the most environmentally friendly technologies that will make all its ships eco-friendly.

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The dual fuel technology with a state of the art particle filter combined with catalyzer will make sure that the Hydrotug is on ultra low emission. Co2 is not emitted when hydrogen is burned. The emission of No2 will also be minimized by the usage of the combination of particle filter and the catalyzer.

The construction is to begin soon with the Hydrotug estimated to be operational within two years. This innovation is also a part of the integral greening program. Efforts are also being made to make use of the most eco-friendly techniques.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp: As an industrial seaport, Antwerps role in the energy transition should not be underestimated. We are working towards becoming a CO2-neutral port. Together with our partners, we are preparing for the future in a constant search for innovative applications and opportunities. With this world-first, we aim to further prepare the way for alternative fuels such as hydrogen, in order to realize the transition to alternative, renewable sources of energy. At Port of Antwerp, we are setting a good example with this significant step towards making our own tugs eco-friendly.

CMB that is the Antwerp based shipping company, has also confirmed its transition to ships using eco-friendly fuel. It had also won the Sustainability Award last year for its Hydroville shuttle that is a passenger that makes use of dual fuel technology with limited capacity. It is also being used for transportation within the port.

CMB and Ghent-based engine builder ABC have come together to set up the BeHydro venture that aims to the development of technology for medium speed engines which have high power output. With 4000 kW output, Hydrotug becomes the first in this class of ships that uses hydrogen-diesel dual fuel.

Alexander Saverys, CEO Compagnie Maritime Belge: We are convinced of the potential of hydrogen as the key to sustainable shipping and making the energy transition of a reality. The expertise that we acquire with the Hydrotug will enable us to further develop the use of hydrogen as a ship’s fuel.

Port alderman Annick De Ridder: 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. With Port of Antwerp, we aim to develop its potential to the full, committing ourselves as active pioneers in the hydrogen economy on a European scale. The ecosystem represented by the Antwerp port platform is an ideal testbed for this technology on a large scale. In this way, we seek to be a source of inspiration and to set an example for other ports.

Reference: Port of Antwerp