Six new Damen RSD Tugs including Europe’s first all-electric tug have been ordered by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as part of the ongoing renewal of its fleet.
One of the world’s busiest ports, the high-pressure environment of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be a thorough test of the new RSD-E Tug 2513, following the lead of the Port of Auckland and others in supporting the development of low and zero emission propulsion systems.
“With the purchase of these new energy-efficient tugs, we have reached another milestone on our way to a green fleet,” says Rob Smeets, Chief Operations Officer Port of Antwerp-Bruges. “Our ambition is to be carbon-neutral by 2050 by pursuing various sustainability paths and daring to pioneer innovative technologies. These tugs are a prime example of what our sustainable future should look like.”
The five diesel-powered RSD Tugs 2513 will be fitted with the Damen Marine NOx Reduction System. All six vessels will be delivered between late 2024 and early 2025, with the RSD-E Tug 2513 being the first. Damen will also be delivering the charger and onshore electrical infrastructure for the new arrival.
“This is a landmark in the adoption of all-electric tugs as mainstream harbour towage solutions,” says Vincent Maes,” Damen Area Sales Manager Benelux. “Port of Antwerp-Bruges’s support of our advanced tug solutions plays an important role in introducing them to the wider market and it is, as always, a pleasure to work with a client who shares Damen’s vision of a sustainable future.”
