Port of Antwerp-Bruges is launching the Volta 1, Europe's first fully electric tugboat — marking an important step in the port's integrated greening programme, with the ultimate goal of a climate-neutral operation by 2050.
The tugboat, developed in cooperation with Damen, follows previous world firsts such as the Hydrotug (hydrogen-driven) and the Methatug (methanol-driven).
Fully electric, as powerful as diesel
Port of Antwerp-Bruges noted that 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.
The tug can operate as both a front and back tugboat, offering flexibility in port operations. Its 2,782 MWh battery, charged in as little as two hours via a 1.5 MW charging station, allows for emission-free cruising for up to 12 hours and with a towing capacity of 70 tons, the port said Volta 1 matches the performance of a conventional diesel-powered tugboat.
Port fo Antwerp-Bruges noted that the Volta 1 is part of a broader renewal of the tug-boat fleet together with five energy-efficient RSD tugs, which have been commissioned, replacing older vessels.
The tug service, responsible for nearly 85% of port-related CO₂ emissions, is also thus undergoing a profound greening as the port strives to integrate the most environmentally friendly technologies, as part of its ambition to be climate neutral by 2050.
Multi-fuel bunkering port
As the fifth-largest bunker port in the world, Port of Antwerp-Bruges said it also aims to become a full-fledged multi-fuel port and 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.
It said that by testing these technologies side by side in the field, the port will be able to determine which solution scores best in terms of emissions, cost, autonomy and performance.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges said the partnership with Damen Shipyards Group plays a key role in this transition. Damen, which built the world's first electric tugboat in 2022 in Auckland, New Zealand, began construction of the six RSD tugs for the Port of Antwerp-Bruges in 2023 in Vietnam.
The ships then arrived in Antwerp in November 2024.
"The Volta 1 is a powerful example of our strategy to actively integrate sustainable technology into our operations. As a global port, we are taking our responsibility to pull the maritime sector into the energy transition. The Volta 1, together with the Hydrotug, Methatug and RSD tugs, represents a tangible step towards a climate-neutral port by 2050," Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges, said.
