Hydrogen-powered tugboat ready for operation in Belgium

By Xinhua Published: Dec 14, 2023 11:06 AM

This photo taken on Dec. 12, 2023 shows the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat Hydrotug 1 at the port of Antwerp-Bruges in Brussels, Belgium. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area.(Photo: Xinhua)

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced on Tuesday that it is ready to put the world's first hydrogen-powered tugboat into operation in the Antwerp port area.

"This ground-breaking development will play a crucial role in Port of Antwerp-Bruges' efforts to green its fleet and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050," the port authorities said.

The vessel, named Hydrotug 1, relies on combustion engines that burn hydrogen in conjunction with traditional fuel, said CMB.Tech, a technology provider for hydrogen dual fuel engines.

Hydrotug 1, measuring 30 meters in length, features two dual fuel medium speed engines, each providing two megawatts, according to CMB.Tech.

With a bollard pull capacity of 65 tonnes, the vessel can store 415 kg of compressed hydrogen in six stillages on its deck, reducing emissions equivalent to those of 350 cars annually, according to the port authorities.