First hydrogen-powered tug launched in Belgium

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and CMB TECH claim a world first with the launch of Hydrotug 1, a tug powered by a combination of hydrogen and traditional fuel. The development is an important step in the port’s drive to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The Hydrotug 1 has two BeHydro V12 dual-fuel, medium-speed engines providing four megawatts of power with latest EU Stage V emissions aftertreatment. The propulsion arrangement enables a reduction of 65% in traditional fuel consumption and associated emissions.

The tug can store 415kg of hydrogen in six stillages installed on deck. Its emission savings are equivalent to those of 350 cars per year.

“The Hydrotug 1 is the world’s largest hydrogen-powered vessel and is ‘made in Europe!’”, declared Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH. “We are delighted and grateful to have the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as our partner. Port of Antwerp-Bruges shares the same commitment as CMB.TECH to decarbonising shipping and showcasing technology that can be scaled. 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.”

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said: “Hydrogen is one of the keys to an economy and society with minimum impact on the environment. As such, it is one of the fuels of the future. Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to develop its potential to the full, committing itself as an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale. The ecosystem represented by the port platform is an ideal testbed for this technology on a large scale. In this way we seek to be a source of inspiration and to set an example for other ports.”