New Electric Tugboats Arrive at Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Six new electric tugboats, including the groundbreaking Volta 1, have recently arrived at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. The Volta 1 is Europe’s first fully electric RSD tugboat and symbolizes the port’s goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. With a bollard pull of 70 tons and rapid two-hour recharge capability via a 1.5 MW charging station, the Volta 1 is emission-free. Alongside the Volta 1, five diesel-powered tugboats also arrived, all RSD vessels designed for exceptional maneuverability and efficiency in towing operations.

The construction of these tugboats began in 2023 by Damen Shipyards Group following an order from the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority. Built at the Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, the tugboats underwent testing and sea trials before being loaded onto the Jumbo Kinetic for transportation to Antwerp. After a journey of over 10,000km, with stopovers in Singapore and Las Palmas, the tugboats have safely arrived. The vessels will undergo preparations for full deployment in the port, including crew training and testing of the Volta 1 with new charging infrastructure at the Nautical Operational Cluster.

Rob Smeets, COO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasized the significance of these energy-efficient tugboats in transitioning to a climate-neutral fleet. The investment in sustainable innovation demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. The Volta 1, in particular, is a pioneering addition to the fleet and sets a new standard for the maritime industry.

Source