VESSEL REVIEW | Hydrotug 1 – Hydrogen-powered tug to serve Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Photo: CMB.Tech

A new hydrogen-fuelled tug has begun operating at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium as part of a demonstration project that seeks to reduce emissions with the aid of environment-friendly alternative fuels.

Hydrotug 1 was built by Armon Shipyard in Spain to a design by Belgian marine engineering firm CMB.Tech. The newbuild is notable for having combustion engines that are powered by hydrogen in combination with traditional marine fuels. CMB.Tech claims it is the first tug in the world to be fitted with such a propulsion arrangement, which is in line with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ aim of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.

The tug has an LOA of 30 metres, a beam of 13 metres, a draught of six metres, a gross tonnage of 496, a summer deadweight of 145, and space for three crewmembers. The propulsion system consists of two BeHydro V12 medium-speed 2MW engines that can run on hydrogen, diesel, or hydrotreated vegetable oil.

Photo: CMB.Tech

The engines are fed by 415 kilograms of compressed hydrogen in six stillages installed on deck. According to CMB.Tech, this technology can eliminate a total volume of emissions equivalent to those of 350 cars.

The main engines, which can deliver a speed of just over 14 knots and a bollard pull of 65 tonnes, are also fitted with aftertreatment systems consisting of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and particulate filters to satisfy EU Stage V emissions requirements. Also fitted are Volvo Penta IMO Tier III auxiliary engines with SCR.

The deck equipment includes an electrically-driven winch to ensure the tug’s daily operations will have only minimal environmental impact.

Hydrotug 1 is built in compliance to Lloyd’s Register class requirements.

Photo: CMB.Tech
Hydrotug 1
SPECIFICATIONS
Type of vessel: Harbour tug
Classification: Lloyd’s Register
Flag: Belgium
Owner: Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium
Designer: CMB.Tech, Belgium
Builder: Armon Shipyard, Spain
Length overall: 30 metres
Beam: 13 metres
Draught: 6.0 metres
Deadweight tonnage: 145
Gross tonnage: 496
Main engines: 2 x BeHydro V12, each 2.0 MW
Auxiliary engines: Volvo Penta
Types of fuel: Hydrogen; diesel; HVO
Fuel capacity: 415 kg
Crew: 3
Operational area: Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium


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