Image credit: CMB.TECH
Damen Shipyards and CMB.TECH are joining forces to construct some of the very first tugboats powered by hydrogen. This project strengthens Damen’s portfolio, following the introduction of their electric ASD tug and aligning with the Saverys family’s commitment to lead the industry towards cleaner alternatives.
The collaboration involves four tugs built by Damen, equipped with CMB.TECH’s innovative dual-fuel hydrogen technology. This continues the successful partnership between the two companies. CMB.TECH is also working with Damen on building Commissioning Service Operations Vessels for the Saverys’ offshore company Windcat. These vessels will utilize dual-fuel hydrogen generator sets. Notably, CMB.TECH previously launched the world’s first hydrogen-fueled crew transfer vessel.
“This agreement signifies a critical step forward in developing our hydrogen-powered vessel portfolio,” said Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH. “ASD tugs are perfectly suited to initiate the decarbonization of port operations. Our hydrogen tugs will empower ports worldwide to reduce emissions and stimulate the production of green hydrogen.”
Alexander Saverys has a clear vision for a cleaner shipping industry. The Saverys family sees hydrogen as the fuel of choice for near-shore operations like tugs, offshore vessels, and crew transfer boats. For deep-sea vessels, they are developing ammonia-based propulsion systems.
Coinciding with the Damen contract signing, Lloyd’s Register granted an approval in principle (AiP) for the hydrogen solution destined for the tugs. According to LR, this system offers a cost-effective path to decarbonize tug operations.
The dual-fuel hydrogen ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2 will boast an 80-ton bollard pull and feature four high-speed dual-fuel hydrogen engines designed to minimize emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). These tugs can also switch to traditional fuel if needed. They’ll have modular storage systems for compressed hydrogen, with each tug carrying up to 16 hydrogen bottles, storing a total of 736kg of pressurized hydrogen at 350 bar.
While details haven’t been fully disclosed, existing ASD tugs are typically around 380 tons and 90 feet (28 meters) long. They can accommodate up to 10 crew members and operate on traditional fuel at speeds of up to 12 knots. The electric version of this class is slightly smaller and has a 10-knot speed.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges holds the distinction of having the world’s first hydrogen dual-fuel tug, introduced in late 2023. Known as Hydrotug 1, it was built in Spain and also utilizes CMB.TECH’s technology.
Hydrotug 1 has a lower hydrogen storage capacity but reportedly has the capability to operate for 24 hours. This new design by CMB.TECH significantly increases hydrogen storage capacity by 75%, aiming to make hydrogen a mainstream fuel source for maritime operations.