Damen highlights electrification at World Port Days

Damen Shipyards Group will showcase its solutions for the maritime energy transition during World Port Days in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Sept. 4-6.

Damen Shipyards Group is highlighting fully electric propulsion at World Port Days. (Photo: Damen Shipyards Group)

The fully electric tug Aqua Pollux, a Damen RSD Tug 2513 hybrid vessel, builds on the sustainable Reversed Stern Drive platform to offer zero-emissions performance courtesy of its fully electric propulsion. The tug incorporates two Caterpillar C32TA gen-sets rated 1,175 kVA, 690V, 60 Hz. Its main engines include twin Ramme TW 1400r_L models. Total power is 3,700 bkW at 500 rpm.

The Blue Amsterdam electric waterbus is a fully electric vessel designed to provide sustainable public transport in urban areas. It incorporates a standard DC system and battery cabinets that result in a 1,000-volt system that allows for rapid recharging. The vessel will be on display Sept. 5 and 6.

Alongside examples of electrification, Damen and Fugro, in collaboration with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Defence, planned to use the deployment of the DSS Galatea on Sept. 4 to demonstrate how public and private parties can work together under the Protection North Sea Infrastructure Programme (PBNI) to provide additional capacity for monitoring and protecting vital infrastructure in the North Sea.

The vessels will be moored at the Innovation Quay to demonstrate that advanced technology solutions are ready.

“The first emission-free vessels are already in operation. The challenge now is to move from pilots to large-scale deployment,” said Martin Bloem, vice president at Damen Shipyards. “If government, ports and industry work together to create the right conditions, the Netherlands can take an international lead in making the maritime sector more sustainable.”

Damen is calling for public-private investment in shared maritime charging points, shore power and energy hubs. It also wants the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) to be extended to workboats, with revenues reinvested in the sector’s transition. The company said this would help accelerate investment in emission-free technology and infrastructure.

In addition, Damen is supporting the European Industrial Maritime Strategy and has launched the Workboat Alliance, which aims to strengthen Europe’s position in workboats for ports, inland waterways, offshore infrastructure and maritime security.