General – Zero-Emissions Tugs
Damen Shipyards and Boluda Towage have joined forces to bring zero-emissions tugs to Europe.
In a groundbreaking move the two organisations, which have nearly 200 years of tugboat experience between them, aim to launch the first newbuild methanol tug in Europe.
The first vessel is intended to be a Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 and the partners are now working together to identify the potential harbour that will be best matched to its operational profile.
Damen is currently developing the methanol powered tug as part of its mission to be the world’s most sustainable shipbuilder. This completely new design is based on Damen’s experience and knowledge thanks to its extensive R&D capability in alternative sustainable propulsion systems.
Boluda Towage and Damen Shipyards look forward to working with other maritime stakeholders to accelerate the transition to cleaner vessels, particularly those operating in or close to urban areas. In the harbour and towage sector, electric and methanol-fuelled propulsion systems currently offer the best and most available route to achieve this.
