Boluda will bring the first Damen methanol tug to Europe

Damen Shipyards and Boluda Towage have joined forces to bring "zero-emission" tugs to Europe. The two organizations, which together have nearly two hundred years of experience in towing, are set to launch the first newly built methanol tug in Europe. The vessel will be of the Damen RSD-E Tug 2513 type, and both companies are working together to identify the port that best suits its operational profile.

Damen Shipyards is developing a methanol-powered tug as part of its goal to become the world's most sustainable shipbuilder. This completely new design is based on Damen's experience and knowledge, thanks to its extensive R&D capabilities in alternative sustainable propulsion systems.

Boluda Towage, as a global leader in towing, and Damen, as a leading shipbuilder in innovation, share a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, safety, and operational excellence. Boluda Towage has been investing for years to achieve cleaner and greener operations in ports. A significant milestone in its ambition to work towards reducing emissions was a multiple order of IMO TIER III tugs in 2020. These pioneering vessels set a new benchmark for all subsequent new builds.

Boluda Towage and Damen Shipyards hope to work with other stakeholders in the maritime sector to accelerate the transition to cleaner vessels, especially those operating in urban areas or near them.

Vicente Boluda Ceballos, Vice President of Boluda Towage, states that "we are very proud of this collaboration with Damen Shipyards, which represents a significant technological advancement for our industry. We know we are in an increasingly complex environment that demands we remain at the forefront of solutions to enhance safety in our operations, limit our environmental carbon footprint, and meet our customers' needs. With that purpose in mind, we are eager to continue our journey as leaders in the industry and maritime towing."

For his part, Arnout Damen, CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, notes that "we are delighted to work with Boluda Towage on what will be a new chapter in European maritime towing. This project not only aligns with our own values but also aims to provide an additional boost to the transition towards sustainable port towing, as the benefits offered by both electric and methanol-powered vessels will be accessible to all. To contribute to this process, we are already building the RSD-E 2513 tug, which will be available for delivery in 2024/25."

This is the new sustainable tug model developed by Damen

Photos: provided