Japan recently launched its first hydrogen dual-fuel tug as part of the “Zero Emission Ships Project” sponsored by The Nippon Foundation. The vessel, equipped with a high-power output hydrogen dual-fuel internal combustion engine and a large-capacity high-pressure hydrogen gas storage system, aims to maintain operational performance while using hydrogen fuel.
The Philippines Coast Guard rescued six crewmembers and recovered two bodies, including the captain, after a bulker ran over a tugboat’s towline. The incident near Maasim, Sarangani Province, involved the Chinese-owned bulker Universe Kiza and the Philippine-registered tug Sadong 33. Charges are being prepared against the bulker’s master and crew.
VINSSEN, a leader in maritime decarbonization technology, has received Approval in Principle certification for Korea’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered tugboat. This achievement, in collaboration with KRE, showcases a major step towards reducing emissions in the maritime industry. The innovative propulsion system combines fuel cell and battery technology for efficient and sustainable operations.
France’s Mediterranean maritime authority successfully towed the disabled product tanker, Kriti Captain, to Marseille after an engine room fire. The Greek-operated tanker, carrying 25,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, docked in Port-la-Nouvelle for offloading and inspection. No injuries were reported, and the vessel’s safe arrival in Marseille marked a crucial step in the salvage operation.
Ship building activity in coastal Karnataka has surged with UCSL launching the first of six 3800 TDW dry cargo vessels for Wilson ASA of Norway. Scheduled for delivery in February 2025, followed by five more vessels and eight 6300 TDW dry cargo vessels. UCSL also has orders for constructing Bollard Pull ASD tugs.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has recently added six new energy-efficient tugs to its fleet, including Europe’s first fully-electric RSD tugboat. These tugs, constructed by Damen in Vietnam, were carefully tested before being delivered to Belgium. The electric tugboat, named Volta 1, boasts impressive maneuverability and a bollard pull of 70 tons.
Eight months after a major oil spill off the coast of Tobago, the tug believed to have caused the spill, named the Solo Creed, has been arrested in Angola. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, with ownership of the tug remaining a mystery. Authority seeks recovery of expenses from the IOPC Fund.
A tugboat and barge crew were attacked by pirates near Tanjung Malatayur in Indonesia. The 14-member crew aboard the Royal TB 17 was robbed of cash, phones, radios, equipment, and cargo. Authorities are investigating the incident and providing support to the traumatized crew. Indonesian authorities are determined to apprehend the perpetrators.
Amogy, a start-up specializing in ammonia-to-power technology, showcased its innovative cracking technology by powering a tugboat along a tributary of New York State’s Hudson River. This milestone, achieved just before their fourth anniversary, demonstrates their mission to decarbonize industries. The “NH3 Kraken” vessel, fueled by green ammonia, highlights Amogy’s unique contribution to sustainable maritime solutions.
Japan’s NYK, in collaboration with IHI Power Systems, has converted a tugboat in Tokyo Bay to run on ammonia-fueled propulsion, a first for commercial vessels. The project, starting four years ago, has been approved by ClassNK. The tugboat Sakigake, originally LNG-fueled, now serves as a proof of concept for alternative fuel operations.
The overturned oil barge off the coast of Tobago has been salvaged at a cost of $30 million. Recovery efforts led by T&T Salvage successfully refloated the Gulfstream barge after a six-hour operation. The wreck is now being assessed three nautical miles off the coast before being towed to Port-of-Spain. The search for the crew of the abandoned tugboat continues, with the government seeking international assistance in the investigation. The Ministry of Energy has completed beach cleanup and is holding parties accountable for the environmental damage caused by the oil spill.
The Methatug, powered by methanol, is part of the FASTWATER project funded by Horizon 2020, proving methanol as a sustainable shipping fuel. The project aims to convert various vessels to methanol propulsion, contributing to the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ goal of being climate neutral by 2050 and establishing a multi-fuel port.
