UAE's Noatum Maritime acquires electric tugs, pilot boat

UAE operator Noatum Maritime, part of the AD Ports Group’s maritime and shipping cluster, has expanded its fleet of zero-emission vessels with the recent acquisition of two new tugs and a new pilot boat.

The electric RSD tugs will be operated at Khalifa Port. Following the successful trial of the first unit, Noatum Maritime has opted to permanently integrate the vessel into its fleet, alongside an additional unit entering service before the end of April 2025.

These 70-tonne bollard pull tugs feature rapid charging technology, enabling them to complete multiple assignments on a single charge with full recharging in just two hours.

The pilot boat was meanwhile built by UK-based Artemis Technologies. It is the latest example in a series of vessels fitted with Artemis Technologies' proprietary electric hydrofoil system.

The foiling system lifts the pilot boat's hull above the water’s surface. The AD Ports Group said this will significantly reduce drag and cut energy consumption by up to 85 per cent while increasing speed and efficiency.