The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has placed an order with Damen Shipyards for five diesel-powered RSD Tugs 2513 fitted with the Damen Marine NOx reduction system, and one electric RSD-E Tug 2513, as part of a continuing fleet renewal programme.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges bought the first diesel RSD Tugs 2513 three years ago and their performance is said to have paved the way for this new order. Antwerp-Bruges is following in the footsteps of the Port of Auckland and other leaders in the market in supporting the development of low and zero emission propulsion systems. The RSD-E Tug 2513 will be the first all-electric tug to operate in Europe and it will be working in one of the world’s busiest ports. According to Damen, the towage industry will be watching it closely to see how its electric propulsion stands up to the high-pressure environment.
IMO Tier-III compliance, reduced noise levels and all-round capability were all contributory factors to this latest order. With building already underway, the vessels will be delivered between late 2024 and early 2025, with the RSD-E Tug 2513 being the first. Damen will be delivering the charger and onshore electrical infrastructure for the new arrival.
Rob Smeets, COO Port of Antwerp-Bruges said: “With the purchase of these new energy-efficient tugs, we have reached another milestone on our way to a green fleet. Our ambition is to be carbon-neutral by 2050 by pursuing various sustainability paths and daring to pioneer innovative technologies. These tugs are a prime example of what our sustainable future should look like.”
Vincent Maes, Damen Area Sales Manager Benelux said: This is a landmark in the adoption of all-electric tugs as mainstream harbour towage solutions. Port of Antwerp-Bruges’s support of our advanced tug solutions plays an important role in introducing them to the wider market and it is, as always, a pleasure to work with a client who shares Damen’s vision of a sustainable future.”
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is also converting one of its existing tugs to methanol propulsion and another to use hydrogen, as part of its goal of meeting the 2040 and 2050 emissions targets.
