Press

Six new energy-efficient tugboats arrive in Antwerp: a milestone with Europe’s first electric tugboat

A new milestone in the greening of Port of Antwerp-Bruges: six energy-efficient tugboats, including the groundbreaking Volta 1, have arrived in the Antwerp port. The Volta 1, Europe’s first fully electric RSD tugboat, exemplifies the port’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

European First: The Volta 1

The electric tugboat Volta 1 is a European first. With a bollard pull of 70 tons and powerful batteries that can fully recharge in just two hours via a 1.5 MW charging station, this tugboat is completely emission-free. In addition to the Volta 1, five diesel-powered tugboats also arrived in Antwerp today. All six vessels are of the RSD (Reversed Stern Drive) type, designed with a dual-bow principle, making them exceptionally maneuverable and versatile for both forward and backward towing operations. Thanks to an advanced exhaust gas after-treatment system and energy-efficient design, the new vessels contribute to reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

An Impressive Journey: From Vietnam to Antwerp

Damen Shipyards Group began construction of the tugboats in 2023, following the order from the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority. Built at the Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, the tugboats underwent extensive commissioning, port tests, and sea trials after their launch between April and August this year. In October, the vessels were loaded onto the heavy-lift ship Jumbo Kinetic, renowned for transporting exceptional cargo. After a journey of more than 10,000 kilometers, with stopovers in Singapore and Las Palmas, the tugboats safely arrived in Antwerp today. In the coming months, the vessels will be prepared for full deployment in the port, including technical start-up, crew training, and testing of the Volta 1 in collaboration with new charging infrastructure installed at the Nautical Operational Cluster (NOC).

Greening the Port

The six new tugboats are part of the comprehensive greening program of the Port Authority. This initiative focuses on the renewal and sustainability of the fleet, which accounts for nearly 85% of port-related CO₂ emissions. Together with earlier projects like the Hydrotug (the first hydrogen-powered tugboat) and the Methatug (the first methanol-powered tugboat), these new tugboats underline the port’s innovative approach.

Rob Smeets, Chief Operations Officer of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges: “With this new generation of energy-efficient tugboats, we take a significant step forward in our transition to a climate-neutral fleet. This investment demonstrates our commitment to sustainable innovation. The Volta 1 is a groundbreaking addition to our fleet and a beacon for the entire maritime sector.”
Johan Klaps, Port Alderman of the City of Antwerp:“The arrival of these new tugboats marks a new chapter in the sustainability of our port and strengthens our position as the economic engine of Flanders. Just like with the Hydrotug and the Methatug, the Volta 1 once again confirms our pioneering role in the energy transition and environmentally friendly shipping.”
Vincent Maes, Sales Manager Benelux at Damen:“I want to congratulate the Port of Antwerp-Bruges on the delivery of their new tugboats, including Europe’s first fully electric tugboat. The pioneering steps they’ve taken towards greater sustainability are commendable and will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for other ports. I look forward to continuing to build on our relationship as both Damen and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges strive for solutions for a sustainable maritime future.”

This link allows you to download several images of the arrival of the tugboats (copyright Port of Antwerp-Bruges): ​ media Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Get updates in your mailbox

By clicking "Subscribe" I confirm I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.

About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Johan Klaps is Vice-Mayor of the City of Antwerp and the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

www.portofantwerpbruges.com

The telephone number +32 492 15 41 39 is only for press inquiries. For other questions you can mail to communicatie@portofantwerpbruges.com

Contact

Havenhuis Zaha Hadidplein 1 2030 Antwerp Belgium

+32 492 15 41 39

press@portofantwerpbruges.com

www.portofantwerpbruges.com