Navigating to zero
Sustainable maritime solutionsDamen’s work on the electrification of the maritime industry falls under the so-called E3 umbrella. That is, environmentally friendly, efficient in operation and economically viable. The shipyards group is currently working on a number of projects for electric vessels.

Electric tugs

Take charge of tomorrow

Electric tugs enable zero-emission harbour towage without compromising availability or performance. Designed for frequent duty cycles in ports and controlled waters, this vessel supports berthing, unberthing and escort activities with predictable handling and sustained readiness. Proven designs deliver up to 70 tonnes bollard pull, complete multiple towage cycles on a single charge and recharge in around two hours - keeping port services moving without interruption.

Zero-emission tugs

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The future of towage

  • High bollard pull for at least 30 minutes

    The battery capacity is sufficient to perform at least two (un)berthing operations on batteries alone with the vessel being able to push/pull with a high bollard pull for at least 30 minutes. It takes just two hours to fully recharge the batteries. Therefore, the majority of operations can be performed with zero emissions.

  • Possible to operate as hybrid too

    The tug can operate with reduced emissions as a hybrid using the IMO Tier III certified back-up generator in combination with the batteries. This mode is often used for operations where autonomy is required when it can be achieved on the installed battery capacity alone.

  • Battery lifetime of 30,000 cycles

    The total battery system of the Electric tug has an energy storage capacity of 2,800 kWh and the lifetime of the battery in this application is expected to be approximately 30,000 cycles, which is equal or more than the 30-year lifetime of our tugs.

  • Shore charging easy with electric tugs

    When it comes to charging, Damen’s approach is to take the role of integrator – or total solutions provider. We unburden our customers by taking responsibility for the entire process, including the charging infrastructure. Our Shore Charging Arm facilitates a one-man operation from the jetty or the vessel.

  • Two person crew thanks to automation

    For the captain the control of the electric tug is almost the same as the control of a diesel tug. Our tugs can operate with a crew of just two thanks to the degree of automation. The Damen remote monitoring system also makes it possible to monitor and manage the vessel from shore.

Experience our impact

Damen electric tug in action

News & milestones

Proof of concept

RSD-E Tug 2513 for Noatum Maritime

Damen Shipyards Group and Noatum Maritime, part of AD Ports Group’s Maritime & Shipping Cluster, have agreed on the delivery of a second, fully electric Damen RSD-E Tug 2513.

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ITS Tug of the Year shortlist

Damen Shipyards Group is pleased to announce that two of its RSD-E Tugs 2513, Bu Tinah and Volta 1, have been shortlisted for the ITS Tug of the Year Award.

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Ship of the Year Award nomination

The first of Damen’s innovative new, all-electric RSD-E Tug 2513 class has been nominated for the 2023 Ship of the Year Award (formerly known as the KNVTS Ship of the Year Award).

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Damen solutions

Finance your vesselA reliable partner from start to finish. Explore solutions of Damen Financial Services.Learn more
Lifecycle supportFrom delivery onwards, Damen Services supports you, every step of the way.Learn more
Build your vessel locallyBuild a proven Damen design, at a location of your choice.Learn more
Trade-in your current vesselExplore our options for vessel trade-in at Damen Trading. Our in-house shipbroker.Learn more

We don’t just build ships. We deliver solutions

Choose a sustainable solution that makes no concessions. Take charge today and choose a better future.

Discover more about our electric tugs

Frequently asked questions