Damen is building four ASD tugs, which will use CMB.Tech’s innovative dual-fuel hydrogen technology to significantly reduce emissions.
The cooperation for the first four vessels was signed on 23 May at Albwardy Damen in Sharjah. The signing took place during the 27th International Tug & Salvage (ITS) Convention in Dubai. Prior to this, the classification society Lloyd’s Register had granted CMB.Tech and Damen an approval in principle (AiP) for the hydrogen solution to be installed on the tugs.
The ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2 with 80 tons bollard pull, designed to meet the most stringent IMO Tier III and EU Stage V standards, are a new step in the collaboration between the two companies. The vessels will be equipped with four high-speed hydrogen twin-fuel engines designed to minimise NOx and CO2 emissions. They will also have modular compressed hydrogen storage systems to ensure safe storage below deck. Each tug can carry up to 16 pressurised cylinders, storing a total of 736 kg of compressed hydrogen at 350 bar.
Although the tugs are primarily powered by H2, CMB.Tech says they are equipped to switch to conventional fuel. If required, they can be operated 100% on conventional fuel. The tugs have a total tank capacity of 160 m³.
Vincent Maes, Area Sales Manager Benelux at Damen, says: “We are delighted to be working with CMB.Tech again. Our two family-owned companies share the same long-term perspective and commitment to the maritime energy transition. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and developing the next steps to make our ports – and our world – a greener place.”
“Another important step in the development of our portfolio of hydrogen-powered vessels”
Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.Tech: “This contract is another important step in the development of our portfolio of hydrogen-powered vessels. Tugs are the ideal means to initiate the decarbonisation of port operations. With our hydrogen-powered tugs, every port in the world will be able to reduce its carbon emissions and create demand for green hydrogen.”
Andy McKeran, Chief Commercial Officer at Lloyd’s Register, said: “The AiP for CMB.Tech’s dual-fuel hydrogen technology provides a cost-effective solution to decarbonise tugs and will equip Damen’s new ASD tugs with dual-fuel hydrogen propulsion, significantly reducing the vessels’ emissions profile. Lloyd’s Register congratulates Damen and CMB.Tech on the successful implementation of this innovative concept and will continue to provide classification and consultancy services to help drive the maritime energy transition.”
Damen and CMB.Tech have already collaborated on the development of a range of Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOV) powered by hydrogen dual-fuel generators – the so-called Elevation Series, which Damen is building for CMB.Tech subsidiary Windcat.
