Europe’s first electric RSD tugboat arrives at Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Six energy-efficient tugboats have arrived at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, including the electric Volta 1. With a bollard pull of 70 tons and powerful batteries that can fully recharge in just two hours via a 1.5MW charging station, Volta 1 is completely emission-free.
Although the five other tugboats are diesel-powered, they feature an advanced exhaust gas aftertreatment system and energy-efficient design to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. All six vessels are of the reversed stern drive (RSD) type, designed with a dual-bow principle, making them more maneuverable and versatile for both forward and backward towing operations.
Journey from Vietnam to Antwerp
Damen Shipyards Group began construction of the tugboats in 2023, following the order from the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority. Built at the Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, the tugboats underwent extensive commissioning, port tests and sea trials after their launch between April and August 2024. In October 2024, the vessels were loaded onto the heavy-lift ship Jumbo Kinetic. After a journey of more than 10,000km, with stopovers in Singapore and Las Palmas, the tugboats safely arrived in Antwerp. Over the coming months, the vessels will be prepared for full deployment in the port, including technical startup, crew training and the testing of the Volta 1 in collaboration with new charging infrastructure installed at Antwerp’s Nautical Operational Cluster (NOC).
Greening the port
The six new tugboats are part of the comprehensive greening program of the port authority. The initiative focuses on the renewal and sustainability of the fleet, which accounts for nearly 85% of port-related CO₂ emissions. Together with earlier projects like the Hydrotug (the first hydrogen-powered tugboat) and the Methatug (the first methanol-powered tugboat), these new tugboats underline the port’s innovative approach.
Rob Smeets, chief operations officer of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, commented, “With this new generation of energy-efficient tugboats, we take a significant step forward in our transition to a climate-neutral fleet. This investment demonstrates our commitment to sustainable innovation. The Volta 1 is a groundbreaking addition to our fleet and a beacon for the entire maritime sector.”
Johan Klaps, port alderman of the City of Antwerp, added, “The arrival of these new tugboats marks a new chapter in the sustainability of our port and strengthens our position as the economic engine of Flanders. Just like with the Hydrotug and the Methatug, the Volta 1 once again confirms our pioneering role in the energy transition and environmentally friendly shipping.”
Vincent Maes, sales manager at Damen Benelux, concluded, “I want to congratulate the Port of Antwerp-Bruges on the delivery of their new tugboats, including Europe’s first fully electric tugboat. The pioneering steps they’ve taken toward greater sustainability are commendable and will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for other ports. I look forward to continuing to build on our relationship as both Damen and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges strive for solutions for a sustainable maritime future.”
In related news, Damen recently signed a contract with the City of Toronto in Canada to deliver two electric vessels to operate between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in downtown Toronto and the Toronto Islands. Click here to read the full story.
