Hydrotug 1 is the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Tug

The world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat has been successfully launched by Belgian shipping and cleantech group, CMB.TECH, and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. 

Two BeHydro V12 dual fuel medium speed engines power the Hydrotug 1. These engines can burn both hydrogen and traditional fuel, meaning an overall reduction of 65% in fuel consumption and emissions is achieved. 

With a notable bollard pull of 65 tonnes, each engine has a power capacity of 2 megawatts and are equipped with the EU’s latest Stage V emissions after-treatment technology.

“Port of Antwerp-Bruges wants to fully exploit [hydrogen’s] potential and is committed to being an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

“The Hydrotug 1 is another big step towards zero-carbon shipping and proves that there is a vibrant energy transition industry in Antwerp, Belgium and Europe,” said Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH. Saverys goes on to say that the Hydrotug 1 demonstrates each partner’s commitment to decarbonization in the shipping industry, whilst showcasing how scalable the technology can be. 

Annick De Ridder, Vice Mayor for the City of Antwerp and President of the Board of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, comments: “Port of Antwerp-Bruges nurtures the ambition to become the energy gateway of Europe as a ‘green port’ and as pioneers. Hydrogen plays an important role in this ambition,”.

He continues: “This is precisely why the launch of the Hydrotug 1 is a significant moment. The Hydrotug 1 can run on both hydrogen and traditional fuel, beautifully demonstrating the potential of the transition to clean energy in the shipping industry.”