The Methatug tugboat was presented in the port of Antwerp-Bruges, a specimen that operates using methanol as fuel and is financed by the European Horizon 2020 program. This launch is part of a broader environmental initiative within the port’s fleet and represents significant progress in the adoption of cleaner fuels in the maritime industry.
Methatug Tugboat Features
The tugboat measures 30 meters in length, stands out for its innovative design and its capacity to generate a traction force of 50 tons. With a tank that can hold up to 12,000 liters of methanol , the Methatug has enough fuel capacity to operate for two weeks without needing refueling.
It is worth noting that the Methatug tugboat is a key component of the FASTWATER project. This project seeks to demonstrate that methanol can be an effective and sustainable fuel for the naval sector. Its development involved the collaboration of multiple European entities, including the Swedish naval design agency ScandiNAOS, the Belgian engine manufacturer Anglo Belgian Corporation and the German company Heinzmann, which provided the methanol injectors. In addition, Ghent University, which supervised emissions control, and the Canadian methanol supplier, Mtanex, participated.
The following video shows the moment of the tugboat’s presentation.
The Methatug measures 30 meters in length. Source: Flows.
Port of Antwerp-Bruges as a multi-fuel hub
As one of the top five bunkering ports globally, the Port of Antwerp also has the vision of transforming into a multi-fuel hub. In this sense, it seeks to offer not only traditional fuels, but also cleaner and low-carbon alternatives such as methanol, hydrogen and electricity. An example of this transition towards more sustainable fuels was the recent supply of methanol to the deepwater vessel Ane Maersk, marking another important achievement for the port.
This innovative approach brings much benefit to the environment and also sets a new standard in the maritime industry, prompting other ports and shipping operators to consider ecological alternatives for their operations.
With projects such as Methatug, the port of Antwerp-Bruges is moving towards greater sustainability and is positioned as a leader in the adaptation of the naval industry to the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
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Source: marinelink
Photo: Shutterstock
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