The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is set to welcome the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat. Abi Millar profiles the new vessel and looks at why Antwerp opted for hydrogen power.
In May, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced it had ordered the construction of the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat.
The Hydrotug, which burns hydrogen and diesel together, has been described as an “ultra-low emission” vessel. It comes as part of a broader effort to green operations at the port.
Built by Belgian shipowner Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), the boat is expected to be operational within two years. Measuring 12m wide and 30m long, it can store 415kg of compressed hydrogen. It runs on two 2,000kW dual-fuel engines, with the exact ratio of diesel to hydrogen dependent on the engine power and speed.
As Annelies Oeyen, advisor to the CEO at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, explains, the goal is a ratio of 20:80 or better, with a view to curbing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible.
“The use of green hydrogen in the tugboat lowers the greenhouse gas emissions in the same ratio as the gas-oil/hydrogen ratio – up to 80%,” she says. “We also expect a positive impact on the air quality. Emissions of pollutants – NOx, particular matter, black carbon, and SOx – will be cut as well.
About : Port of Antwerp-Bruges
With more than 300 liner services and 800 destinations, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest port in Europe and a true world port. It is an important lifeline for the Belgian economy.
International connections and sustainable growth play an important role in reinforcing its role as a world port.
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