HydroTug previous to launch at Astilleros Amon. [Photo: Javier Carbajales]
Launched earlier this yr by Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Amon, the world’s first hydrogen-fueled tug, the HydroTug, can be among the many cleanest vessels within the fleet of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium when it goes to work in early 2023.
“With the HydroTug, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is making an important step in the transition to a sustainable, CO2-neutral port,” says Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. “The port is systematically pursuing a policy of making its entire fleet eco-friendly by incorporating the most environment-friendly technologies available on the market.”
The HydroTug’s important propulsion system consists of two Schottel RudderPropellers sort SRP 460 (2,000 kW every) that includes propeller diameters of two.4 meters. With this thruster configuration, the 31 meter lengthy and 12.5-meter huge vessel will obtain a bollard pull of about 65 tonnes.
The SRP items are pushed by BeHydro twin gasoline medium pace engines that burn hydrogen together with diesel. The engines, every delivering 2 megawatts, are geared up with the newest EU Stage V emissions after-treatment.
Combustion of hydrogen doesn’t emit any CO2, and and the after therapy system will lead to minimal emissions of NOx and particulates.
Following its supply, the HydroTug can be used for harbor operations within the Port of Antwerp-Bruges which the second-largest seaport in Europe, after Rotterdam.
