Hydrogen-Powered Tug is World First for Port of Antwerp
Port of Antwerp has ordered the construction of a tug powered by hydrogen, the first in the world. This ‘Hydrotug’ is driven by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with diesel. The dual-fuel technology is combined with a state-of-the-art particle filter and catalyser designed to meet the very highest standards. This will ensure that the Hydrotug is ultra-low emission. Combustion of hydrogen does not emit any CO2, and the particle filter combined with the catalyser will result in minimal emissions of NOx and particulates. Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) is building the ultra-low-emission tug and the Hydrotug is expected to be operational within two years.
With the order, Antwerp is making an important step in the transition to a sustainable, CO2-neutral port and the port is hoping that the shipping industry will follow. Port of Antwerp CEO Jacques Vandermeiren declared: “As an industrial seaport, Antwerp’s role in the energy transition should not be underestimated. 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 realise the transition to alternative, renewable sources of energy. We are setting a good example with this significant step towards making our own tugs eco-friendly.”
Hydrogen, the fuel of the future
With the Hydrotug, the Antwerp-based shipping company CMB confirms its international pioneering role in the transition to ships powered by eco-friendly fuel. Last year it already won the Sustainability Award with its Hydroville shuttle, a passenger ferry with limited capacity and power that also uses dual-fuel technology. This vessel is now being used for sustainable commuter transport within the port area. Meanwhile CMB has teamed up with the Ghent-based engine builder ABC to set up the BeHydro joint venture with the aim of further developing the technology for medium-speed engines with higher power output. The Hydrotug is the first vessel with output in the 4000 kW class to be powered by hydrogen-diesel dual fuel. “We are convinced of the potential of hydrogen as the key to sustainable shipping and making the energy transition of a reality,” says Alexander Saverys, CEO of Compagnie Maritime Belge. “The expertise that we acquire with the Hydrotug will enable us to further develop the use of hydrogen as a ship’s fuel.”