Dutch sand transport firm welcomes new electric pusher tug to fleet

South Holland-based sand transport and road construction company ROS Zand en Grindhandel has taken delivery of a new inland pusher tug from towage company Kotug International.

The tug belongs to a series of electric pusher tugs designed by Kotug. The first example in the series has been in operation with Kotug since 2023, transporting barges on behalf of a local cocoa company.

The tug will be deployed in combination with barges provided by Jansma Shipping to establish a sand transport chain between the Maasvlakte and Rotterdam. To support its operations, a 1MW fast charging station will be put up in Rotterdam.

The vessel has an LOA of 16 metres, a beam of 7.6 metres, and a draught of only one metre. Kotug said the vessel itself is of modular build with a hull made from a PE assembly with a steel/aluminium frame.

Construction of ROS' new pusher tug took place at Padmos' facilities in Stelledam.