Methatug: Europe’s First Methanol-Powered Tug Unveiled in Antwerp

The Methatug, the world’s first methanol-powered tug, was unveiled in Antwerp as part of the FASTWATER project funded by the European research program Horizon 2020. Methanol is seen as a fuel of the future due to its lower emissions compared to conventional fuels, aligning with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ goal to be climate neutral by 2050. The 30-meter-long Methatug has been converted to run on a mix of methanol and conventional fuel, with the capacity to store 12,000 liters of methanol.

The FASTWATER project, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using methanol as a sustainable fuel in the shipping industry, involves various partners such as the Swedish ship design agency Scandinaos and the Belgian engine manufacturer Anglo Belgian Corporation. This project also includes converting other vessels like a pilot boat in Sweden, a river cruise ship in Germany, and a coast guard ship in Greece to methanol propulsion. De Wit Bunkering will supply Methatug with methanol via truck-to-ship bunkering in the port of Antwerp-Bruges.

As part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ greening program, Methatug is the latest addition to the fleet that already includes the hydrogen-powered Hydrotug 1 and energy-efficient RSD tugs. The port aims to become a multi-fuel port where vessels can bunker both conventional and alternative fuels like methanol, hydrogen, and electricity. The first methanol bunkering took place in Antwerp in April with the vessel Ane Maersk, marking a significant milestone towards achieving this goal.

Source .