Rijkswaterstaat launches project to develop near-emission-free towing vessels
Dutch government agency Rijkswaterstaat has launched the research and development phase of its Power2Tow project to develop near-emission-free emergency response towing vessels (ERTVs) for the North Sea.
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ERTVs are specialized ships stationed near offshore installations, or busy shipping routes, to provide rapid towing, rescue, firefighting, and emergency assistance to vessels in distress.
As part of the project, three consortiums have been selected to develop competing concepts for virtually emission-free ERTVs, along with the associated offshore and onshore charging infrastructure.
During the research and development phase, each consortium will further refine, test, and evaluate its proposed concept, after which one will be selected to move forward with the project.
The initiative aims to develop three electric ERTVs capable of charging at sea using wind energy, supported by charging infrastructure both offshore and onshore. The vessels will operate on electric power as much as possible, while e-methanol will be used during emergency towing operations, according to Rijkswaterstaat.
While the direct contribution of these electric towing vessels to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions is expected to be modest, the project is intended to generate valuable technical and operational insights that could help pave the way for the wider adoption of larger electric vessels.
The three shortlisted consortiums are Kustkracht (Kotug International, IHC Defense and Bluewater Energy Services); Multraship Ocean Towage, Damen Shipbuilding & Cooperation and Stillstrom; and Smit Terminals Europe and Smit Salvage.
Power2Tow forms part of the Fleet Renewal programme for the Dutch Central Government Shipping Company and is being delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, the Coast Guard, and the interdepartmental National Management Agency for the Maritime Manufacturing Industry.
By Tuhin Roy
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