Photo credit: CMB.TECH
Saverys-led CMB.TECH and shipbuilder Damen have signed an agreement to collaborate on hydrogen-powered ASD Tugs.
The collaboration calls for four tugs built by Damen and using CMB.TECH’s dual-fuel hydrogen technology.
The order for the tugs was signed on May 23 at Albwardy Damen in Sharjah.
The companies signed the contract after classification society Lloyd’s Register granted approval in principle (AiP) for the hydrogen solution that will be installed in the tugs.
It is also the latest step in the companies’ collaboration as CMB.TECH is also working with Damen for the development of a series Commissioning Service Operations Vessels (CSOV), which are powered by hydrogen dual fuel generator sets, the so-called Elevation Series, that Damen is building for CMB.TECH’s subsidiary Windcat.
The dual-fuel hydrogen ASD Tugs 2812 FF-H2 will have 80-tonnes bollard pull, and feature four highspeed dual-fuel hydrogen engines, designed to minimize NOx and CO2 emissions.
Although the tugs will primarily run on hydrogen, they’re equipped to switch to traditional fuel if required.
The tugs feature a total of 160m3 fuel holds. They will have modular storage systems for compressed hydrogen, with each tug carrying up to 16 hydrogen bottles, storing a total of 736kg of pressurized hydrogen at 350 bar.
Alexander Saverys, chief executive of CMB.TECH, said: “ASD tugs are ideal assets to start the decarbonisation of port operations. With our hydrogen tugs, every port in the world will now be able to lower its carbon emissions and create demand for green hydrogen production.”
Vincent Maes, Damen area sales manager Benelux, noted: “Our two family-owned companies share the same long-term view and commitment to the maritime energy transition. We’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration and developing the next steps to make our ports – and our world – a greener place.”
