Europe’s first electric tugboat, Volta 1, arrived from Vietnam to the Antwerp port area late last year and will be operational on the water from today, Monday.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges fleet comprises around 20 tugboats, which assist sea vessels in docking or manoeuvring. The port aims to eventually eliminate diesel-powered tugboats due to current emissions concerns.
Volta 1 possesses a towing capacity of 70 tonnes, matching the performance of traditional diesel-powered tugboats. Its batteries can be fully charged in two hours, allowing for 12 hours of operation.
The port authority noted, "Over the past year and a half, we introduced the world’s first hydrogen and methanol-powered tugboats. Testing these technologies side by side helps us identify the best solutions in terms of emissions, cost, autonomy, and performance."
CEO Jacques Vandermeiren highlighted Volta 1 as emblematic of the port’s strategy to integrate sustainable technology. "As a global port, we embrace our role in driving the maritime sector’s energy transition," Vandermeiren explained.
Approximately half of the port’s 20 tugboats are now moderately ‘green.’ Eight diesel tugboats employ a system that reduces their emissions by 40%. The port also features tugboats powered by hydrogen, grey methanol, and electricity.
Grey methanol is produced from fossil fuels like natural gas. The port plans for this vessel to eventually switch to cleaner fuels such as green or blue methanol.
Although grey methanol emits carbon dioxide, it produces less soot and nitrogen oxides compared to diesel. Hydrogen production also partly relies on gas, while ammonia is increasingly considered for larger ships.
