Port of Antwerp-Bruges has officially launched Volta 1, the first fully electric Reversed Stern Drive tugboat in Europe, marking a major milestone in the port’s ambition to become climate neutral by 2050. Developed in collaboration with Damen Shipyards Group, Volta 1 joins a pioneering fleet of sustainable vessels including the Hydrotug (hydrogen-powered) and Methatug.

Volta 1 is a testament to the port’s commitment to environmental leadership. With a battery capacity of 2,782 MWh, recharged in just two hours via a 1.5 MW charging station, the tugboat can operate emission-free for up to 12 hours. Its towing capacity of 70 tonnes ensures that it performs on par with traditional diesel-powered tugs.

Designed using a double bow principle and equipped with Damen’s patented Twin Fin skeg, Volta 1 delivers superior manoeuvrability and flexibility, operating effectively both at the bow and stern.

Driving Decarbonisation in Maritime Logistics

The launch of Volta 1 is part of a broader renewal of the port’s tugboat fleet. Alongside five newly commissioned energy-efficient RSD tugs, the initiative replaces older vessels in a move that significantly reduces emissions from port operations—particularly from the tug service, which currently accounts for nearly 85 percent of port-related CO₂ emissions.

Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges, commented:

“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.”

Johan Klaps, vice mayor for the port and economy and president of the board, added:

“Achieving this European first in the same year we celebrate 150 years of tug service makes it both symbolic and historic. It demonstrates how our port continues to invest in sustainable innovation. Even in challenging times, we choose the future and take a leadership role.”

A Proven Partnership in Green Innovation

The partnership with Damen Shipyards was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Construction of the six RSD tugs began in 2023 in Vietnam, with the vessels arriving in Antwerp in November 2024. Following installation, crew training, and technical preparations, the Volta 1 is now fully operational.

Vincent Maes, sales manager Benelux at Damen, stated:

“We are honoured to deliver these advanced vessels, which reflect our shared ambition for technological progress and sustainability. The Volta 1 and accompanying RSD tugs contribute directly to the port’s bold environmental targets.”

Anchoring a Climate-Neutral Future

As the world’s fifth-largest bunker port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is positioning itself as a multi-fuel hub, actively testing and deploying a variety of low-carbon fuels, including electricity, hydrogen, and methanol. By trialling these technologies in real-world conditions, the port aims to identify the best solutions across performance, autonomy, emissions, and cost.

With Volta 1 leading the charge, the port strengthens its role as a pioneer in the international energy transition, setting a benchmark for other ports and industries aiming to decarbonise.

Specifications: Volta 1

• Length: 24.73 m

• Beam: 13.13 m

• Depth: 6.5 m

• Weight: 607 tonnes

• Towing power: 70 tonnes

• Speed: 12 knots

• Battery type: Lithium-Titanium-Oxide (LTO)

• Battery capacity: 2,782 MWh

• Charging time: 2 hours

• Sailing autonomy: Up to 12 hours

• Charging station power: 1.5 MW

Port of Antwerp-Bruges continues to demonstrate that bold investment in sustainable innovation can deliver both operational excellence and a greener future for global logistics.

For more information visit www.portofantwerpbruges.com

19 May 2025