Port of Antwerp-Bruges launches the Volta 1: Europe’s first electric tugboat
- Oprac. M.K.
- Kategoria: English zone
Port of Antwerp-Bruges is launching the Volta 1, Europe's first fully electric tugboat. The launch marks an important step in the port's integrated greening programme, with the ultimate goal of a climate-neutral operation by 2050. Developed in close cooperation with Damen, the tugboat follows previous world firsts such as the Hydrotug (hydrogen-driven) and the Methatug (methanol-driven).
The Volta 1 is a Reversed Stern Drive (RSD) tugboat designed on a double bow principle and equipped with a patented Twin Fin skeg for optimal stability and manoeuvrability. As a result, it can be used flexibly as a front and back tugboat. With its battery capacity of 2,782 MWh, recharged in as little as two hours via a powerful 1.5 MW charging station, the Volta 1 is completely emission-free and can cruise for up to 12 hours. Its towing power of 70 tons guarantees the same performance as a traditional diesel tug boat.
On course for a climate-neutral port
The Volta 1 is part of a broader renewal of the tug-boat fleet. Together with five energy-efficient RSD tugs, also commissioned today, this replaces older vessels. The tug service, responsible for nearly 85% of port-related CO₂ emissions, is thus undergoing a profound greening. Port of Antwerp-Bruges systematically strives to integrate the most environmentally friendly technologies, as part of its ambition to be climate neutral by 2050.
Pioneering in energy transition
As the fifth-largest bunker port in the world, Port of Antwerp-Bruges also aims to become a full-fledged multi-fuel port. It therefore wants to offer low-carbon alternatives in addition to bio- and conventional fuels. Over the past year and a half, the port introduced the world's first hydrogen and methanol-powered tugs. By testing these technologies side by side in the field, Port of Antwerp-Bruges can determine which solution scores best in terms of emissions, cost, autonomy and performance. In doing so, it anchors its role as a pioneer in the international energy transition and hopes to inspire other ports and sectors to take action.