Port of Antwerp has ordered construction of a tug powered by hydrogen – the first in the world. This ultra-low-emission Hydrotug is being built by Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB), a pioneer in the field of hydrogen power for shipping. The port is pursuing a policy of making its entire fleet eco-friendly and by incorporating this promising technology the Port of Antwerp is taking an important step to being a sustainable CO2-neutral port.
The Hydrotug is driven by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with diesel, and the combination of this dual-fuel technology with a state-of-the-art particle filter and catalyzer is designed to meet the very highest standards.
“As an industrial seaport, Antwerp’s role in the energy transition should not be underestimated,” says Jacques Vandermeiren, Port of Antwerp CEO. “We are working toward becoming a CO2-neutral port. Together with our partners we are preparing for the future in a constant search for innovative applications and opportunities. With this world first we aim to further prepare the way for alternative fuels such as hydrogen, in order to realise the transition to alternative, renewable sources of energy. At Port of Antwerp we are setting a good example with this significant step toward making our own tugs eco-friendly.”
Construction is due to begin shortly and the Hydrotug is expected to be operational within two years.