Damen Shipyards Group has delivered six RSD (Reversed Stern Drive) 2513 tugs to the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium.
The fleet comprises five “RSD Tugs 2513” and the “RSD-E Tug 2513” – the first fully electric tug to go into operation in a European port.
With its all-electric drive, the RSD-E Tug 2513 paves the way for emission-free operation. The other five ships are also contributing to cleaner operations. Damen Marine‘s onboard NOx reduction systems remove harmful emissions from the exhaust gases and ensure compliance with the Tier III regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is pursuing a number of sustainable initiatives to achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The measures taken include renewing the fleet with increasingly efficient newbuildings and converting existing tonnage to clean, alternative fuels.
Tugboat manages two towing operations electrically
As a provider of total maritime solutions, Damen has supplied and commissioned the 1.5 MW battery of the electric tug and the electrical infrastructure on land. The tug is capable of carrying out at least two towing operations on a single charge and can be fully recharged in just two hours.
The scope of services also includes comprehensive support from Damen Services, which covers all phases from delivery and commissioning to maintenance management and a one-year warranty. The service also includes a training package with simulator-based, technical and onboard training, which is initiated well in advance to prepare the crews. The training program is to be continued over the next five years.
Tugs were built at Damen shipyard in Vietnam
The six tugs were part of a shipment that was transported from the Damen shipyard in Vietnam on board the “Jumbo Kinetic”.
On arrival in the North Sea port of Vlissingen, the heavy-lift vessel was greeted by tugs from the port of Antwerp-Bruges and escorted along the Westerschelde on its final journey to the port.
“We are delighted to welcome the six state-of-the-art tugs, including one electric model, to our fleet. With each new addition, we get closer to our emission targets for a greener future,” said Rob Smeets, Chief Operational Officer (COO) of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
“On behalf of Damen, I would like to congratulate the Port of Antwerp-Bruges on the delivery of its new vessels – including the first fully electric tugboat in Europe,” Vincent Maes, Damen Sales Manager Benelux, also emphasised. The steps that the port of Antwerp-Bruges has taken towards greater sustainability are commendable and will certainly serve as an inspiration for other ports. “I look forward to further developing our relationship as both Damen and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges continue to strive for solutions for a sustainable maritime future.”
