Port of Antwerp-Bruges introduces electric tugboat
The Volta 1 has a battery capacity of 2,782 MWh, which can be charged in two hours via a 1.5 MW charging station. As a battery-electric vessel, the Volta 1 is completely emission-free and can sail for up to 12 hours. Its tractive force of 70 tonnes guarantees the same performance as a conventional diesel tractor.
In terms of size, the Volta 1 is 24.73 metres long, 13.13 metres wide and has a depth of 6.5 metres. Its top speed stands at 12 knots, which corresponds to about 22 kph, and the boat weighs in at about 70 tonnes.
“The Volta 1 is a powerful example of our strategy to actively integrate sustainable technology into our operations. As a global port, we are taking our responsibility to pull the maritime sector into the energy transition,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges, adding: “The Volta 1, together with the Hydrotug, Methatug and RSD tugs, represents a tangible step towards a climate-neutral port by 2050.”
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges further writes that it aims to become “a full-fledged multi-fuel port.” This means that the port wants to offer low-carbon alternatives in addition to bio- and conventional fuels. Over the past year and a half, the port also introduced the world’s first hydrogen and methanol-powered tugs.
A MW charging station was installed by Milence at the port in February, however, this was for electric trucks. This also marks Damen Shipyards’ first electric tugboat, as the company had previously focused on electric and hybrid ferries, having delivered to multiple customers in Canada.
0 Comments