The world’s first zero-emission electric pusher tug and barge has been equipped with two 300 kW Electric driven Outboard Azimuth thrusters from HYDROMASTER Propulsion BV.
Pushers and barges are essential, efficient methods of delivering goods by water from Dutch ports to the Netherlands and beyond. Built for KOTUG in partnership with Cargill, this vessel will soon be deployed on the Dutch waterway transporting cocoa beans from the Port of Amsterdam, the largest cocoa import port in the world, to Cargill’s cocoa factory in Zaandam, the Netherlands.
The zero-emission vessel, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge propulsion systems, eliminates harmful emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). The fully electric pusher boats and barges are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 190.000 kg per year, the equivalent of 15.000 single trips of the same distance by truck. The boats will run on green energy from the wind farm that Cargill and Vattenfall operate in partnership with Windpark Hanze.
Ard-Jan Kooren, President & CEO of KOTUG International said, “I would like to express our gratitude to Cargill for their partnership and unwavering support in this transformative endeavour. Together, we are making history and reshaping the future of inland shipping.
“This ground-breaking achievement aligns with our mission to provide sustainable solutions to the maritime industry. By introducing the world’s first zero emission vessel of this set-up, we aim to inspire other shipping companies, governments, and stakeholders to embrace clean energy solutions and make significant strides towards achieving the global climate goals for the next generation.”
