The Port of Antwerp-Bruges has made a significant leap towards sustainability by launching the Volta 1, Europe’s first fully electric tugboat. This innovative vessel is part of the port’s broader initiative to reduce carbon emissions and transition to greener technologies in maritime operations.
Launch Date: The Volta 1 was officially launched on April 12, 2024.
Design: The tugboat features a Reverse Stern Drive (RSD) design, enhancing stability and maneuverability.
Performance: It boasts a towing capacity of 70 tons and can operate for up to 12 hours on a single charge.
Charging: The vessel can be fully recharged in just two hours using a 1.5 MW charging station.
Sustainability Goals: The Port aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and Volta 1 is a key component of this strategy.
The Volta 1: Specifications and Features
The Volta 1 is not just a technological marvel but also a crucial part of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’s fleet renewal strategy. Here are some of its key specifications:
Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
Length | 24.73 meters |
Width | 13.13 meters |
Depth | 6.5 meters |
Weight | 607 tons |
Towing Power | 70 tons |
Speed | 12 knots |
Battery Capacity | 2,782 MWh |
Charging Time | 2 hours |
Operational Duration | 12 hours |
The tugboat is designed with a patented Twin Fin skeg, allowing it to function effectively as both a front and back tugboat. This flexibility is essential for the complex maneuvers required in busy port operations.
Commitment to Sustainability
The launch of the Volta 1 is part of a larger commitment by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to transition to low-emission operations. The port has already introduced hydrogen and methanol-powered tugs, making it a pioneer in adopting alternative fuels in maritime transport.
Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The Volta 1 is a powerful example of our strategy to integrate sustainable technology into our operations actively. As a global port, we take responsibility for pulling the maritime sector into the energy transition.”
Future of Tug Operations
With the introduction of the Volta 1 and the other energy-efficient RSD tugs, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is set to reduce its carbon footprint significantly. Currently, tugboats are responsible for a substantial portion of the port’s CO₂ emissions, and this transition is crucial for achieving the port’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
The port authority plans to phase out diesel-powered tugs entirely, replacing them with greener alternatives. This shift aligns with global sustainability trends and positions the Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a leader in maritime innovation.
In conclusion, the launch of the Volta 1 marks a pivotal moment in the maritime industry, showcasing how ports can lead the way in adopting sustainable practices and technologies. As the world moves towards greener solutions, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges sets a benchmark for others.
Sources
Europe’s first all-electric tug launched, Offshore-Energy.biz.
Port Of Antwerp-Bruges Launches Europe’S First Electric, Marine News Magazine.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges commissions Europe’s first fully electric tugboat, Offshore-Energy.biz.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges launches Europe’s first electric tugboat, belganewsagency.eu.
Riviera – News Content Hub, Riviera Maritime Media.
