Electric tug achieves Guinness World Record

Damen Shipyards Group and its client Safeen Group, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, announced a Guinness World Record title for the Most Powerful Electric Tugboat.

Safeen Group’s fully electric Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 has been recognized as the Most Powerful Electric Tugboat. (Photo: Damen Shipyards Group)

The record was set by measuring the bollard pull of the Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 Bu Tinah, which Damen delivered to Safeen Group earlier this year. With an average high peak pull of 78.2 tonnes, the vessel “demonstrated performance unprecedented for a fully electric tug,” the announcement stated.

The record-breaking performance took place at Khalifa Port, AD Ports Group’s flagship facility, and was announced during ADIPEC, the global energy event, which took place Nov. 3-6 in Abu Dhabi.

The 24.73-meter RSD-E Tug 2513 builds on the design of the diesel propulsion RSD Tug 2513, but incorporates a fully electric propulsion arrangement. The vessel can undertake a minimum of two towage operation on a single charge and can be rapidly recharged in two hours. Two gen-sets onboard can be used for battery charging as needed.

The RSD-E Tug 2513 Bu Tinah is the first fully electric tug to operate in the Middle East. It will be used to handle large container ships, car carriers and other commercial vessels in Khalifa Port.

Captain Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, CEO, Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said achieving the Guinness World Record “demonstrates that the transition to alternative energy does not come at the cost of performance.”

“We are very proud that the first electric tug in the Middle East is also making waves on a global level with this accolade,” he continued, “and the fact that, in parallel, it is improving the sustainability of our operations alongside cost efficiencies in terms of overall fuel saving is extremely important. This vessel is now a key component of our Marine Services fleet and our electrification strategy.”