Port of Antwerp-Bruges & CMB.TECH launch the Hydrotug 1, world’s first hydrogen-powered tugboat

The Hydrotug 1 is the first tugboat in the world to be powered by combustion engines that burn hydrogen in combination with traditional fuel. It is the first vessel that uses the BeHydro V12 dual fuel medium speed engines – each providing 2 megawatts – with the latest EU Stage V emissions aftertreatment. With these engines, the vessel uses clean fuels, resulting in an overall reduction of 65% of traditional fuel consumption and associated emissions in the tugboat’s overall cycle. The Hydrotug 1 can store 415kg of compressed hydrogen in 6 stillages installed on deck and eliminates the emission's equivalent of 350 cars per year.

CEO of CMB.TECH – Alexander Saverys: "The Hydrotug 1 is the world's largest hydrogen-powered vessel and it is “made in Europe”! We are delighted and grateful to have the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as our partner. Port of Antwerp-Bruges shares the same commitment as CMB.TECH to decarbonizing shipping and showcasing technology that can be scaled. The Hydrotug 1 is another big step towards zero-carbon shipping and proves that there is a vibrant energy transition industry in Antwerp, Belgium and Europe."

CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges – Jacques Vandermeiren: “Hydrogen is one of the keys to an economy and society with minimum impact on the environment. As such it is one of the fuels of the future. Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to develop its potential to the full, committing itself as an active pioneer in the hydrogen economy on a European scale. The ecosystem represented by the port platform is an ideal testbed for this technology on a large scale. In this way we seek to be a source of inspiration and to set an example for other ports.”

Vice Mayor for the port, urban development, spatial planning and patrimony of the City of Antwerp, President of the Board of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges –Annick De Ridder: “Port of Antwerp-Bruges aims to position itself as a green energy gate to Europe, with a focus on hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source for vessels. The Hydrotug 1 is a significant step towards achieving this goal, as it is capable of running on both hydrogen and traditional fuel, demonstrating the potential for a transition to clean energy in the shipping industry.”

Hydrotug 1 specifications for technical experts:

• Dimensions: Beam: 12.5m, Length overall: 30m, moulded depth: 5m, depth of the propellors: 5.9m
• Total of 415 kg of compressed hydrogen stored in 54 x individual Type 3 cylinders installed in 6 x stillages on deck
• 2 x 2MW V12 dual fuel BeHydro engines with EU Stage V compliant aftertreatment (SCR and particulate filter)
• Tractor tug with 65 ton bollard pull
• Classification by Lloyd’s Register
• Double hull
• Volvo Penta D8 MG Stage V for auxiliaries

About CMB.TECH
CMB.TECH (all in capitals) is a shipping and cleantech company that develops, builds, owns and operates large marine and industrial applications that can run on hydrogen or ammonia. CMB.TECH also offers hydrogen and ammonia fuel to its customers, either through own production or third party producers.
Visit CMB.TECH for more information.

About Port of Antwerp-Bruges
With an overall throughput of 289 million tons per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1.400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164.000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.

The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society.

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Vice-Mayor of Antwerp Annick De Ridder is President of the Board of Directors, the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management.
Click here for more information about Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

About BeHydro
BeHydro is a joint venture between Anglo Belgian Corporation (ABC) and CMB.TECH. This joint venture combines the skills of a multi-fuel engine manufacturer with the insights of a cleantech company that builds, owns, operates and designs applications that run on hydrogen and ammonia. Many industries such as shipping, railways and power generation need technologies to make the energy transition happen. BeHydro has set itself the goal of providing the solution for these demanding industries.
For more information, visit www.behydro.com.