Netherlands starts procurement for three hybrid emergency tugs

The Dutch water management agency, Rijkswaterstaat, has started the procurement process for three new emergency response towing vessels (ERTVs) for a 25-year service aimed at increasing safety in the North Sea.

The agency stated the project aims to develop vessels that are "virtually emission-free". The ERTVs are designed to operate on electricity, with "green e-methanol" used for actual emergency towing operations.

The project also includes the development and installation of five charging stations at sea and five onshore, a technology which the agency noted is not yet commercially available.

Due to the need for new technology development, the agency said the tender will be conducted through an innovation partnership, which includes the development of the related charging infrastructure and operational deployment. A contract award is expected in mid-2026.

The project is part of the broader fleet renewal program of the Dutch National Shipping Company (Rijksrederij) and is supported by a contribution from the European recovery and resilience plan.