In a world first the Port of Antwerp converts a tug to methanol
As part of the European Union-funded Fastwater project which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of methanol as sustainable marine fuel The Port of Antwerp is converting a tug to methanol propulsion.
The European Commission approved the project this week, after an 18-month-long clearance process and detailed negotiations.
CEO of Port of Antwerp, said: “This methatug is a further and also an important step in the transition towards a sustainable and CO2-neutral port that has enabled us to overcome a variety of technical and regulatory challenges.
“Thanks to projects such as this, we are paving the way and hope to be an example and a source of inspiration for other ports.”
The Port of Antwerp hopes to have one hydrogen-powered tug in 2023 as part of its strategy of becoming a sustainable and CO2-neutral port. The plan was set up by a group of European maritime research and technology leaders, and is funded by the European research and innovation programme
The methatug project was submitted to receive the necessary dispensation from the European committee that administers overall standards for inland navigation. Described by the port as the world’s first of its kind, the methatug project is expected to operate in early 2022.
For more information visit www.portofantwerp.com
28th June 2021
