Hydrogen-powered tugboat first

The tug will play a crucial role in Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ efforts to green its fleet and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. 

“Hydrogen is one of the keys to an economy and society with minimal climate impact. As such, it is one of the raw materials, energy sources and fuels of the future,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

“Port of Antwerp-Bruges wants to fully exploit its potential and is committed to being an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale. With the Hydrotug 1, the world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat, we want to be a source of inspiration as well as an example for other ports.”

Hydrogen pioneers

The Hydrotug 1 is the first tugboat in the world to be powered by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with traditional fuel. It is the first vessel that uses the BeHydro V12 dual fuel medium speed engines – each providing two megawatts – with the latest EU Stage V emissions after treatment.

With these engines, the vessel uses clean fuels, resulting in an overall reduction of 65% of traditional fuel consumption and associated emissions in the tugboat’s overall cycle.

The Hydrotug 1 can store 415kg of compressed hydrogen in 6 stillages installed on deck and eliminates the emission’s equivalent of 350 cars per year.

Hydrotug 1 specifications

Dimensions: Beam: 12.5m, Length overall: 30m, moulded depth: 5m, depth of the propellors: 5.9m

Total of 415 kg of compressed hydrogen stored in 54 x individual Type 3 cylinders installed in 6 x stillages on deck

2 x 2MW V12 dual fuel BeHydro engines with EU Stage V compliant after treatment (SCR and particulate filter)

65 ton bollard pull

Classification by Lloyd’s Register

Double hull

Volvo Penta D8 MG Stage V for auxiliaries