EST-Floattech containerized battery system chosen for Kotug fully electric pusher boat

Kotug has chosen EST-Floattech’s containerized energy storage solution with Octopus Series for the E-Pusher 1 (Type M), an emission-free pusher that transports cocoa beans for Cargill on inland waterways from the Port of Amsterdam to Zaandam in the Netherlands. According to the companies, it is the world’s first fully electric pusher boat.

Containerized energy storage

The containerized solution features EST-Floattech’s Octopus High Energy modules and was designed and constructed in a little over six months, thanks to the production facilities for the Octopus Series. During development, the company worked closely with Kotug, Padmos (the builder of the E-Pusher), Sea and Shore and Gebhard Electro to realize the Octopus Series container, which is intended to provide emission-free power for the E-Pusher. The container meets the European technical requirements for inland navigation (ESTRIN).

Electric pusher boat

This containerized solution provides the energy that enables the E-Pusher to make about three trips from Zaandam to Amsterdam and back, picking up and pushing the cocoa beans to the Cargill facilities. At the Cargill facilities in Zaandam, the Octopus Series Container will be charged three times per week with green energy.

EST-Floattech’s technical engineers designed the battery solution inside this container based on the sailing profile of the E-Pusher, creating a container with a capacity of 2MWh. The customized containerized solution and emission-free sailing of the E-Pusher mean staff and locals no longer have to deal with noise or pollution. Emission-free sailing is also important for the scenic environment along the route.

Ard-Jan Kooren, CEO and president of Kotug, said, “By selecting EST-Floattech’s cutting-edge containerized battery system, Kotug is proud to lead the maritime industry toward a greener future. The partnership with EST-Floattech signifies our commitment to innovation and sustainability. With the world’s first fully electric pusher boat powered by EST-Floattech’s technology, we are setting a new standard for emission-free maritime transportation. This milestone underscores Kotug’s dedication to driving positive change in the industry while delivering reliable and efficient solutions to our clients.”

Walter van der Pennen, commercial director at EST-Floattech, commented, “We are proud that we have been given the chance to create this containerized energy storage system for Kotug and contribute to the world’s first emission-free and fully electric pusher tug. We want to thank all our partners for the seamless collaboration and making this truly groundbreaking project possible.”

In related news, Kotug recently signed a framework agreement with Padmos for the construction of the complete line-up of E-Pusher tugs, comprising the S, M and L models. Click here to read the full story.