Port Of Antwerp-Bruges Launches Europe’s First Electric Tugboat

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has launched Volta 1, Europe’s first fully electric tugboat. The vessel was developed in close partnership with Damen Shipyards Group.

This follows the earlier launches of Hydrotug, powered by hydrogen, and Methatug, which runs on methanol, both world-firsts in their categories. Together, these vessels represent the port’s commitment to adopt alternative fuels across its operations.

The Volta 1 is a Reversed Stern Drive (RSD) tugboat built with a double bow design and equipped with a patented Twin Fin skeg. This makes it stable, highly manoeuvrable, and capable of operating efficiently both as a front and rear tug.

Despite being electric, it matches the performance of traditional diesel tugs, delivering a towing power of 70 tons and reaching speeds of 12 knots.

The tug is powered by 2,782 MWh lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) batteries, and can sail for up to 12 hours on a single charge. It uses a 1.5 MW charging station and can recharge fully in just two hours.

It is 24.73 meters long, 13.13 meters wide, weighing 607 tons, and built to handle demanding port operations without emissions.

Alongside Volta 1, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has also added five new energy-efficient RSD tugs to its fleet. These additions will replace older vessels, helping reduce the carbon footprint of tug operations, which currently account for around 85% of the port’s total CO₂ emissions.

The new diesel tugs are fitted with after-treatment systems to further cut emissions.

This move is part of the port’s integrated greening programme, which aims to replace outdated technology with the most sustainable solutions available.

The port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to test different fuels-including hydrogen, methanol, and electricity, to determine which works best in terms of emissions, cost, autonomy, and overall performance.

As the fifth-largest bunker port in the world, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is working to transform itself into a multi-fuel hub.

It plans to offer a variety of fuel options, including biofuels and low-carbon alternatives, alongside traditional fuels. By doing so, the port hopes to inspire other global ports and maritime operators to adopt greener practices.

Port officials have pointed out that Volta 1 is not just a vessel, but a symbol of the port’s strategy to actively embrace sustainable innovation.

The timing of the launch is also historic- as it happens in the same year the port celebrates 150 years of tug service, adding both symbolic and historic value to the event.

Damen Shipyards Group, a long-time partner in the port’s sustainability journey, began construction of the six RSD tugs-including Volta 1, in 2023 at their facility in Vietnam.

After a voyage of over 10,000 kilometers, the vessels arrived in Antwerp in November 2024, where they were prepared for service. This preparation included technical setup, crew training, and installation of the necessary charging infrastructure.

Representatives from the port highlighter the importance of this collaboration in reaching their environmental goals. Damen officials expressed pride in contributing to the port’s green ambitions by delivering advanced vessels that meet sustainability standards.

Reference: Port Of Antwerp-Bruges

Source: Maritime Shipping News