Belgian port takes delivery of Europe’s first electric tug

Damen Shipyards Group has delivered six RSD Tugs 2513 to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium, including the first fully electric tug to operate in a European port. The tugs were built and shipped from Damen’s yard in Vietnam.

The six RSD Tugs 2513 formed part of a shipment of vessels transported from Damen’s yard in Vietnam aboard Jumbo Kinetic. (Photo: Damen Shipyards Group)

Five of the vessels are equipped with onboard Damen Marine NOX Reduction Systems designed to remove harmful exhaust gas emissions and ensure IMO Tier III compliance. The sixth vessel, an RSD-E Tug 2513, builds on the sustainable Reversed Stern Drive platform to provide zero-emissions performance via fully electric propulsion. The tug is able to perform a minimum of two towage operations on a single charge and can be fully recharged in two hours via a 1.5-MW charger and onshore electric infrastructure also delivered and commissioned by Damen.

“We are thrilled to welcome the six state-of-the-art tugs, including an electric model, into our fleet,” said Rob Smeets, chief operational officer of Port of Antwerp-Bruges. “With each new addition, we move closer to achieving our emission targets towards a greener future.” The port is pursuing a number of sustainable initiatives toward the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Vincent Maes, Damen sales manager Benelux, represented Damen in congratulating the Port of Antwerp-Bruges on delivery of the new vessels. 

“The pioneering steps towards increased sustainability they have taken are commendable and will, I am sure, serve as inspiration for other ports,” he continued. “I am looking forward to continuing to build on our relationship, as both Damen and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges continue to pursue solutions towards a sustainable maritime future.”